New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers pleaded not guilty on Monday after being arrested on Saturday in Braintree, Massachusetts, facing charges that include strangulation and drug possession.
The Braintree police revealed that they responded to a disturbance call early Saturday morning at a residential location, where it was reported that two individuals were involved in an altercation.
Peppers, who celebrated his 29th birthday just days prior, faces multiple charges: assault and battery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, strangulation, and possession of a Class B substance, purported to be cocaine.
According to the police report, a woman alleged that Peppers assaulted her, indicating he choked her at least six times, stripped her of her clothing, and forced her outside. The report also accused Peppers of pushing her to the ground, smashing her head against a wall, and choking her.
When police arrived, Peppers answered the door without a shirt and acknowledged the situation. He complied with the officers and was arrested without incident.
Authorities confiscated a clear bag containing a white powder that later tested positive for cocaine. The woman was treated for injuries sustained to her face and knees.
The woman stated that she and Peppers have been in an on-and-off relationship for approximately three years.
Peppers pleaded not guilty during his arraignment at Quincy District Court on Monday morning. He was released on $2,500 bail and given a restraining order to stay away from the woman.
His attorney, Marc Brofsky, claimed that there is evidence, including videotaped material, that raises serious doubts regarding the allegations. He confirmed that Peppers has agreed to refrain from contacting the woman.
A subsequent hearing is set for November 22, but Peppers is permitted to waive his appearance.
The Patriots released a statement confirming they are aware of the incident involving Peppers and that the police are conducting an investigation. The NFL also acknowledged the situation but did not provide further comments.
Peppers, who serves as a team captain, did not participate in the Patriots’ recent game against the Miami Dolphins. He had been limited in practice due to a shoulder injury, which led to his official exclusion from the game.
Patriots coach Jerod Mayo addressed the situation on sports radio WEEI, stating, “He called me that morning. I knew what was going on. We’ve informed the NFL about it, and we’re still gathering information. … It’s a process.” Mayo assured reporters that Peppers would be allowed at the team’s facilities for the time being, emphasizing that they do not have enough information to restrict his access.
Peppers signed a three-year, $24 million contract extension in July.