NFL's Jabrill Peppers Arrested On Strangulation And Drug Charges

New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers is making headlines after pleading not guilty to multiple charges, including strangulation and drug possession.

The drama unfolded when police in Braintree, Massachusetts, announced Peppers' arrest on Monday, following an early morning disturbance at a local residence on Saturday.

According to authorities, they responded to reports of an altercation between two individuals, which led to Jabrill Peppers' involvement.

NFL star Jabrill Peppers is facing serious charges, including "assault and battery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, strangulation, and possession of a Class B substance believed to be cocaine."

According to ESPN, Braintree police said the woman involved alleged that Peppers, who celebrated his 29th birthday on Friday, struck her, choked her "at least six times," removed her clothing, and placed her outside.

Authorities also reported that Peppers forcefully shoved the woman to the ground, banged her head against a wall, and placed his hands around her neck in a strangling manner. The woman reportedly received treatment at home for injuries to her face and knees.

She also informed the police that she and Peppers had been in an "on and off" relationship for approximately three years.

But that's not all, as the police report revealed that officers seized a "clear bag containing white powder substances" during the incident.

Peppers, a team captain, was absent from the Patriots' 15-10 defeat against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, according to ESPN. He had been limited in practice the previous week due to a shoulder injury, and the team officially ruled him out on Saturday.

In a statement, the Patriots said they were "aware of an incident involving Jabrill Peppers over the weekend in which the police are currently investigating."

The NFL said it was "aware of the matter" and would have no further comment.

"He called me that morning. I knew what was going on," Patriots coach Jerod Mayo told sports radio WEEI on Monday. "We've informed the NFL what was going on and we're still gathering information. ... I don't think anyone knows the facts or anything like that. It's a process."

"I'm not sure how the league and how we are going to handle that going forward but we should have some more information over the next few days," he continued.

Mayo addressed reporters, revealing that he has updated the team about the situation and confirmed that Peppers will be permitted to access the team's facilities for the time being. "We don't know enough to say he shouldn't be in the building," he said, per ESPN.

Peppers signed a three-year, $24 million extension in July.

During his arraignment at Quincy District Court in Massachusetts on Monday morning, Peppers entered a not guilty plea.

"Judge, despite the fact that this is the case where there is evidence I have already seen that sheds real doubt on the allegations, including videotaped evidence, my client will not object to that condition and he'll agree to the same thing," Peppers' attorney, Marc Brofsky said.

He posted $2,500 bail and was instructed to maintain distance from the woman involved. Brofsky stated that the evidence in the case "sheds real doubt on the allegations, including videotaped evidence." He added that Peppers has agreed to avoid contact with the woman.

The next hearing is set for November 22, although Peppers was permitted to waive his appearance.

"What I said in the courtroom I'll repeat. We have evidence that completely contradicts the alleged victim's story. I expect my client to be fully exonerated," Brofsky told reporters outside the courthouse.

Originally drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2017, Peppers spent two seasons in Cleveland before being traded to the New York Giants. The New England Patriots signed him as a free agent in 2022. In July, he secured a three-year contract extension valued at up to $30 million, and this season, Mayo appointed him as a team captain.

The Braintree Police Department verified Peppers’ arrest in a statement to People Magazine, revealing that the NFL star “will be charged with assault and battery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, strangulation and possession of a Class 'B' substance believed to be cocaine."

Peppers declined to comment while leaving the courthouse.