New England Patriots safety and team captain Jabrill Peppers pleaded not guilty to assault and drug charges after his arrest over the weekend in Braintree, Massachusetts. Peppers faces multiple charges, including assault and battery, strangulation, and possession of cocaine, following an altercation with a woman who accused him of physical abuse. Peppers denied the accusations, and his attorney stated they have evidence contradicting the claims. The New England Patriots are aware of the incident and are gathering information as the legal process unfolds.
Legal Proceedings and Allegations
On Saturday, Braintree police responded to a reported altercation where a woman claimed Peppers hit, choked, and pushed her. According to court documents, the woman stated that Peppers choked her multiple times but did not cause her to lose consciousness. She also accused him of pushing her down the stairs. Police arrested Peppers without incident, and during a search, they found a plastic bag containing cocaine in his wallet.
In his defense, Peppers told authorities he repeatedly asked the woman to leave his apartment but denied any physical altercations. His attorney, Marc Brofsky, expressed confidence in Peppers’ eventual exoneration, citing evidence such as videotapes that allegedly disprove the accusations.
Court Proceedings and Bail
Peppers was arraigned in Quincy District Court on Monday and pleaded not guilty to all charges. He was released on $2,500 bail, with the condition that he avoids contact with the victim. The next hearing is set for November 22, although Peppers has waived his right to appear in court on that day. His lawyer remains optimistic, asserting that evidence will clear Peppers of wrongdoing.
Patriots’ Response
The New England Patriots released a statement confirming they are aware of the incident but have refrained from further comments. Head Coach Jerod Mayo confirmed the team is gathering information, and Peppers has not yet been placed on the NFL commissioner’s exempt list. Peppers, who recently signed a three-year extension with the Patriots worth up to $30 million, did not play in the team’s recent game against the Miami Dolphins due to a shoulder injury.
