New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers was arrested early Saturday morning on several charges, including assault.
Braintree police responded to a disturbance report at a residential location where a caller indicated there was an altercation between two individuals. Following an investigation, Peppers, 29, was taken into custody. He faces charges that include assault and battery on an intimate partner, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, strangulation, and possession of cocaine.
According to the police report, the victim alleged that Peppers slammed her head against a wall and pushed her down the stairs. She had informed dispatchers that he had “choked her at least six times.” The woman stated that Peppers became angry when someone called her phone during their intimate moments. She claimed he then shoved her down the steps, grabbed her neck, and struck her against the wall.
The woman declined medical assistance at the scene. Peppers refuted her claims, asserting that she fell down the stairs while intoxicated and suggested she was making the allegations to sabotage his career. Officers noted that they did not observe any signs of intoxication in the victim.
Emergency medical services treated the victim at the scene, though no updates on her condition were provided.
Peppers attended a brief arraignment hearing in Quincy District Court on Monday morning where he entered not guilty pleas to all charges and was instructed to have no contact with the alleged victim. His attorney claimed that there is evidence suggesting doubt regarding the accusations, and Peppers did not contest the order of no contact.
Peppers posted bail set at $2,500. His next court appearance is scheduled for November 22, although he will not need to appear in person. A New Jersey native, Peppers is the team captain for the Patriots but missed the Sunday game against the Miami Dolphins due to a shoulder injury. This season marks his third with the Patriots, following three years with the New York Giants and two with the Cleveland Browns.
The Patriots released a statement regarding the incident on Monday morning, acknowledging their awareness of the situation and noting that the police are investigating. They indicated no further comments would be made at this time.