New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers pleaded not guilty on Monday following his arrest on Saturday, where he was charged with strangulation and drug possession, among other offenses, according to Braintree, Massachusetts police.
Authorities reported that they arrested Peppers after responding to a disturbance call early Saturday morning, where an altercation was reported between two individuals. Police disclosed that the 29-year-old player faces charges that include “assault and battery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, strangulation, and possession of a Class B substance, believed to be cocaine.” The alleged victim received treatment at the scene.
During his arraignment at Quincy District Court on Monday, Peppers was held on a $2,500 bail and was ordered to stay away from the alleged victim. His next court hearing is set for November 22.
The NFL acknowledged the situation, stating, “We are aware of the matter and have been in contact with the club. We have no further comment at this time.”
In a statement, the Patriots confirmed their awareness of the incident involving Peppers and noted that the police are conducting an investigation, adding they would refrain from commenting further.
Peppers, who serves as a team captain, was inactive during the Patriots’ 15-10 defeat against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, having been limited in practice the previous week due to a shoulder injury, which led to the team officially ruling him out on Saturday.
Patriots coach Jerod Mayo commented on the situation during an interview on sports radio WEEI, saying, “He called me that morning. I knew what was going on. We’ve informed the NFL of the situation and we’re still gathering information. … I don’t think anyone knows the facts or anything like that. It’s a process.” He added, “We don’t know enough to say he shouldn’t be in the building.”
Peppers signed a three-year contract extension worth $24 million in July.