New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers found himself in hot water over the weekend when he was arrested on assault and drug possession charges after an incident in Braintree, Massachusetts, as announced by local police on Monday. The 29-year-old was involved in an altercation at a home that ultimately led to his arrest.
According to authorities, Peppers is expected to be charged with assault and battery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, strangulation, and possession of a Class B drug believed to be cocaine. The victim received treatment at the scene following the altercation.
During his arraignment on Monday in Quincy District Court, Peppers had a not guilty plea entered on all counts. Prosecutors requested that he have no contact with the female victim involved in the case, a condition to which his attorney agreed. Peppers also posted $2,500 bail. Although his next court appearance is scheduled for November 22, he opted to waive his right to appear in court.
Peppers’ absence from the field was noted during New England’s Week 5 loss to the Miami Dolphins, as he did not play. Initially listed as questionable for the game, he was later downgraded to out on Saturday. While it was speculated that his absence was due to a shoulder injury that limited his practice the week prior, the recent off-field incident now sheds light on his situation.
“The incident involving Jabrill Peppers over the weekend is currently under investigation by the police,” the Patriots stated in a release through NFL Media. “We will refrain from commenting further at this time.”
Peppers, who joined the Patriots in 2022, had become a valuable member of the team’s secondary. In July of the same year, he signed a three-year, $30 million extension and was named a team captain for the first time this season. Initially selected as a first-round draft pick for the Cleveland Browns in 2017 out of Michigan, Peppers also spent time with the New York Giants before making his way to Foxborough.
