New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers pleaded not guilty on Monday following his arrest on Saturday in Braintree, Massachusetts, where he faces charges including strangulation and drug possession.
Police reported that they responded to a domestic disturbance early Saturday morning, prompted by a call about an altercation. Peppers, who recently turned 29, is charged with assault and battery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, strangulation, and possession of a Class B substance believed to be cocaine.
The police statement indicated that the woman involved accused Peppers of physically assaulting her, claiming he struck her, choked her multiple times, and forcibly removed her clothing before putting her outside. She alleged that he pushed her to the ground, slammed her head against a wall, and choked her.
Upon police arrival, Peppers answered the door shirtless and reportedly acknowledged the situation. He was taken into custody without resistance. Officers also seized a bag containing a white powder that later tested positive for cocaine. The woman received home treatment for injuries sustained, primarily to her face and knees.
The woman described her relationship with Peppers as “on and off” for about three years. During his arraignment in Quincy District Court on Monday morning, Peppers pleaded not guilty, posted $2,500 bail, and was ordered to avoid contact with the woman.
Peppers’ attorney argued in court that evidence, including video, raises significant doubts about the allegations. The next court appearance is scheduled for November 22, though Peppers is allowed to waive his presence at that hearing.
In a public statement, the Patriots acknowledged being aware of the incident under investigation by police. The NFL also confirmed its awareness of the situation but refrained from further comment.
Peppers, serving as a team captain, did not play in the Patriots’ recent game against the Miami Dolphins, having been limited during practice due to a shoulder injury, which led the team to rule him out just before the game.
Head coach Jerod Mayo addressed the situation on sports radio, confirming that they had communicated with the NFL and were still in the process of gathering information. He mentioned that Peppers would continue to have access to team facilities for the time being, stating a lack of sufficient details to restrict him from the building.
Peppers recently signed a three-year, $24 million contract extension with the team in July.