Jabrill Peppers, captain of the New England Patriots, was arrested over the weekend on charges of assault, strangulation, and drug-related offenses. Police reports indicate that Peppers attacked his girlfriend following her receipt of a phone call while they were in bed together.
The 29-year-old appeared for arraignment on Monday at Quincy District Court, where he entered not guilty pleas to several charges, including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and possession of a Class “B” substance believed to be cocaine, according to court documents.
Braintree police responded to a call regarding an altercation at a residence early Saturday. According to the police report, Peppers allegedly pushed the woman to the ground, slammed her head against a wall, and placed his hands around her neck to strangle her. The victim reported to police that Peppers choked her at least six times and forced her out of the house. She declined hospital treatment and was cared for at the residence for her injuries.
Upon arrival, police found Peppers answering the door shirtless. He reportedly nodded and told officers, “I know what is going on.” He was arrested without incident.
Officers discovered a clear plastic bag at the home containing a white powder, which later tested positive for cocaine.
Peppers was released after posting $2,500 bail, with his next court appearance scheduled for November 22. He was permitted to waive his appearance at that hearing.
During the court session, Peppers’ attorney, Marc Brofsky, asserted that evidence, including videotaped material, “sheds real doubt on the allegations.” He noted that Peppers has agreed to refrain from contacting the woman involved.
Patriots coach Jerod Mayo spoke to reporters on Monday, stating that the organization is still in the process of gathering information regarding Peppers’ arrest. Mayo confirmed that Peppers would be allowed access to the Patriots’ facilities for the time being.
“We don’t know enough to say he shouldn’t be in the building,” Mayo stated, adding that the team was informed of Peppers’ arrest on the morning it occurred.
Mayo emphasized the importance of communication with the team, noting that “players need to know about it, and so we can learn from whatever happened.” He mentioned that the organization anticipates receiving more information in the coming days regarding possible actions from the NFL.
Peppers, in his third season with the Patriots, signed a contract extension over the summer. He was originally drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2017 and spent two seasons there before playing three seasons with the New York Giants.
Dealing with a shoulder injury, Peppers did not participate in the Patriots’ 15-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
