Stefon Diggs was back in action for the Patriots on Monday — one week after the star receiver found himself at the center of controversy over a viral boat video that featured a curious pink powder.
Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels confirmed Diggs’ attendance Monday at OTAs, telling the media the four-time Pro Bowler is in the know despite past absences from voluntary practices.
“I know he’s staying up to date on the information… I’m not concerned about Stef in that regard,” McDaniels said, according to A to Z Sports.
The Patriots signed Diggs to a three-year, $63.5 million contract in free agency as a new weapon for rising quarterback Drake Maye, who is coming off a promising rookie season.
The former Texans wideout — whose romance with rapper Cardi B became Instagram-official Sunday — stirred buzz over Memorial Day weekend after he was filmed aboard a boat speaking with three women with a pink powder present.
First-year coach Mike Vrabel said Wednesday the team is aware of the footage, adding, “We want to make great decisions on and off the field.”
“… Any conversations that I’ve had with Stefon will remain between him and I and the club,” the former Patriots linebacker stated.
In the wake of the boat video, NFL insiders speculated whether New England would cut ties with Diggs, 31.
“I sort of think all things are on the table and I think really, to me at least, it’s going to boil down to what Stef told [head coach Mike] Vrabel, and how believable it was,” Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer said Friday during an appearance on 98.5 The Sports Hub.
Scott Zolak, a member of New England’s radio broadcast team, echoed similar remarks.
“It’s not just the boat,” Zolak said. “There are some other things that I’ve heard that put some things in question. Are you all-in here?”
The Vrabel-led Patriots are looking to right the ship after last season’s 4-13 disaster under rookie head coach Jerod Mayo, a fellow New England alum.
He was fired in January.
Diggs spent the last season in Houston, where he tallied 47 receptions for 496 yards and three touchdowns in eight games. He went down with a torn ACL in October.
The Bills traded Diggs to the Texans last offseason after four seasons in Buffalo.
Diggs and Cardi B, 32, fueled romance rumors back in February.
