New England Patriots safety and team captain Jabrill Peppers was arrested on Saturday on multiplecharges, including assault and battery, assault with a dangerous weapon, strangulation, and possession of cocaine. The incident reportedly occurred after an altercation with his girlfriend following an argument early in the morning. Peppers pleaded not guilty during his appearance at Quincy District Court on Monday.
According to police reports, the victim claimed Peppers choked her, smashed her head against a wall, and pushed her down a flight of stairs. She was treated by emergency services at the scene. Peppers, however, denied the accusations, asserting that while they argued, he did not physically harm her.
Peppers’ lawyer, Mark Brofsky, argued that evidence, including video footage, contradicts the woman’s allegations and expressed confidence in Peppers’ eventual exoneration. “We have evidence that completely contradicts the alleged victim’s story,” Brofsky said, adding that Peppers would not be making further comments until the legal proceedings conclude.
Peppers, who was named a Patriots captain earlier this season, did not play in Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints due to an injury. The Patriots have yet to release an official statement on his arrest and its implications for his status with the team.