BRAINTREE, Mass. (AP) — New England Patriots captain Jabrill Peppers has been arrested over the weekend on multiple charges, including assault, strangulation, and cocaine possession, after a domestic altercation with his girlfriend. Peppers, 29, appeared at his arraignment on Monday in Quincy District Court, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges, which also include assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
According to police reports, Braintree authorities were called to a residence early Saturday morning for a disturbance between two individuals. The victim, a woman, told police that Peppers physically attacked her after she received a phone call while they were in bed. The report alleges that Peppers pushed the woman to the ground, slammed her head into a wall, and strangled her multiple times—at least six according to the woman. She was forced out of the home but declined hospital treatment, opting to receive care for her injuries at the residence.
When officers arrived, Peppers was shirtless and acknowledged the situation with the words, “I know what is going on.” He was arrested without resistance. Police also discovered a clear plastic bag containing a white powder, later identified as cocaine.
Peppers posted $2,500 bail and is scheduled for his next court appearance on November 22, though he was allowed to waive his presence in court. His defense attorney, Marc Brofsky, stated in court that evidence, including videotaped material, casts doubt on the allegations against Peppers. Brofsky also confirmed that Peppers had agreed to have no contact with the alleged victim moving forward.
Patriots coach Jerod Mayo addressed the situation on Monday, stating that the team was still gathering information. Mayo added that Peppers would be allowed at team facilities for the time being. The organization had been made aware of the arrest the same morning it occurred. Mayo emphasized the importance of understanding the full details before making any decisions, including potential action from the NFL.
Peppers, who is dealing with a shoulder injury, did not participate in the Patriots’ 15-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. The safety, who signed an extension with the Patriots over the summer, previously played for the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants before joining New England.
