During a recent court appearance, 29-year-old Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including assault, strangulation, and possession of cocaine, stemming from an incident over the weekend.
According to the Braintree, Massachusetts police, they responded to a residential disturbance early Saturday morning. Authorities allege that Peppers shoved a woman to the ground, pressed her head against a wall, and placed his hands around her neck. The woman reported that Peppers choked her several times and forcibly removed her from the premises. Although she received medical assistance on-site, she chose not to be hospitalized.
On Monday, Peppers formally entered his not guilty plea to various charges, including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. After posting a $2,500 bail, his attorney, Marc Brofsky, expressed confidence in Peppers’ defense, highlighting the existence of evidence, including video footage, that he believes casts significant doubt on the allegations. Brofsky also mentioned that Peppers has agreed to refrain from any contact with the alleged victim.
The New England Patriots issued a statement confirming their awareness of the ongoing investigation but refrained from providing further comment at this time. Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo indicated that Peppers is currently permitted to access the team’s facilities, citing a lack of sufficient information to make a conclusive judgment.
As a team captain, Peppers did not participate in the Patriots’ recent game against the Miami Dolphins due to a shoulder injury. This past summer, he signed a $24 million contract extension with the Patriots, marking his third season with the team. Before his time in New England, Peppers was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2017 and also spent three seasons with the New York Giants.
