New England Patriots safety and team captain Jabrill Peppers was arraigned in Quincy District Court earlier today, pleading not guilty to charges stemming from an alleged incident over the weekend in Braintree, Massachusetts. CBS News Boston reports that Peppers is facing counts of assault and battery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, strangulation, and possession of a Class B drug, suspected to be cocaine. The victim was reportedly treated at the scene.
Details from the courtroom mentioned that Peppers posted a $2,500 bail and was released, with the stipulation that he is to have no contact with the female victim. "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 conveyed to the court, as reported by CBS News Boston.
A brief statement from the Patriots acknowledged the incident: "We are aware of an incident involving Jabrill Peppers over the weekend in which the police are currently investigating. We will have no further comment at this time," the team said, according to the CBS News Boston article. Head coach Jerod Mayo also mentioned on WEEI that while figures are still "gathering information," Peppers remains part of the team. "I don't think anyone knows the facts or anything like that. It's a process," Mayo stated.
On his radio appearance, Mayo noted, "He’s not in the building today, he’s got his appearance – but as we gather information he can definitely come into the building – we don’t know enough to say he shouldn’t be in the building," suggesting that Peppers' status with the team is still uncertain as the investigation continues. Boston 25 News elaborates that the altercation occurred on Saturday morning, and Peppers, who turned 29 last Friday, did not play in Sunday's game due to a shoulder injury.
Peppers, who was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2017 and later signed by the Patriots in 2022, signed a three-year extension with the team this July, worth up to $30 million. His next court appearance is scheduled for November 22, 2024, although he waived his right to appear in court that day. More details about the case are expected to emerge in the coming days.
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