New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers entered a not guilty plea on Monday following his arrest on Saturday for charges including strangulation and drug possession. The arrest occurred after police responded to a disturbance report at a residential location in Braintree, Massachusetts.
According to police reports, Peppers, who recently turned 29, faces several charges: assault and battery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, strangulation, and possession of a Class B substance suspected to be cocaine.
The police report indicated that a woman accused Peppers of physically assaulting her, including allegations that he choked her multiple times, removed her clothing, and forced her outside. Additionally, Peppers is said to have pushed her to the ground and struck her head against a wall.
When officers arrived at the scene, Peppers answered the door without a shirt and acknowledged the situation, leading to his arrest without any resistance. Officers also seized a bag containing white powder that tested positive for cocaine.
The woman received treatment for injuries sustained to her face and knees at her home. She disclosed to the police that she had been in an on-and-off relationship with Peppers for approximately three years.
After pleading not guilty during his arraignment at Quincy District Court, Peppers posted $2,500 bail and was instructed to maintain distance from the woman involved. His attorney argued in court that evidence, including video footage, raises significant doubts about the allegations against Peppers.
A subsequent hearing is set for November 22, but Peppers has been permitted to waive his appearance.
The Patriots released a statement acknowledging they were aware of the incident involving Peppers and that the investigation is ongoing. The NFL’s stance is similarly passive, stating they are aware of the situation but will refrain from further comments.
Peppers, a team captain, did not participate in the Patriots’ recent 15-10 defeat to the Miami Dolphins, having been limited in practice due to a shoulder injury and officially ruled out for the game on Saturday.
Patriots coach Jerod Mayo commented on the situation, indicating that the team is still collecting information and that Peppers will be allowed to access team facilities for the time being. Mayo emphasized that the team does not have enough information to justify preventing Peppers from being present at practices.
Peppers signed a substantial three-year contract extension worth $24 million in July.