The New England Patriots are dealing with yet another distraction — and this one is serious.
Safety Jabrill Peppers was arrested Saturday morning and now faces multiple charges, according to multiple reports. On Saturday afternoon, Peppers was ruled out for Sunday’s Patriots-Dolphins game. He initially was listed as “questionable” to play due to a shoulder injury.
Let’s go over everything we know about Peppers’ arrest, including the charges.
Why Was Jabrill Peppers Arrested?
Ryan Breslin of WFXT-TV was the first to report the news of Peppers’ arrest.
Peppers was arrested in Braintree, Mass., after police responded to a call about an altercation at a home. After authorities conducted an investigation, Peppers was arrested and charged with assault and battery on a household or family member, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, strangulation, and possession of cocaine.
The alleged female victim reportedly was treated by emergency medical services at the scene of the alleged crime and refused to go to the hospital. Her condition wasn’t known at the time of this writing.
WCVB-TV’s Peter Eliopoulos shared more details after reviewing the court documents.
“Patriots Captain Jabrill Peppers is accused of hitting his girlfriend and choking her at least six times, according to court documents,” Eliopoulos wrote on the X platform. ” ‘My boyfriend put his hand on my neck and smashed my head against the wall, then he pushed me down the stairs,’ she told Braintree Police.”
Peppers, 29, was arraigned at Quincy District Court on Monday and pleaded not guilty to all charges. He didn’t speak to reporters while leaving the courthouse, but his attorney denied all allegations.
“What I said in the courtroom, I’ll repeat: We have evidence that completely contradicts the alleged victim’s story, and I expect my client to be fully exonerated,” Peppers’ attorney said before adding his evidence includes video footage.
Jabrill Peppers leaves Quincy District Court after appearing in front of a judge. While he stayed silent, his attorney said they have evidence that contradicts the victim’s story. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/unnnCqIAyi
— Ryan Breslin (@ryanjbreslin) October 7, 2024
Peppers’ case was stayed until Nov. 22, with his “appearance waived,” according to the Boston Herald. The Judge said Peppers could be held in prison if arrested again.
The Patriots provided the following statement on Peppers:
“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.”
One of New England’s best defensive players, Peppers was named a team captain before the start of the season. He signed a three-year, $24 million contract extension during the summer.
Jerod Mayo Comments on Peppers Arrest
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo didn’t say much about Peppers’ situation when asked about it during his Monday morning WEEI interview.
“He called me that morning, I knew what was going on,” Mayo said. “We informed the NFL what was going on, and we’re still gathering information.”
When asked whether Pepper’s future with the Patriots could be in jeopardy, Mayo said, “I don’t think anyone knows the facts or anything like that — it’s a process.”
Jerod Mayo on the Jabrill Peppers situation: pic.twitter.com/0Ju9wZ8VB4
— The Greg Hill Show (@TheGregHillShow) October 7, 2024
During an ensuing video conference with reporters, Mayo was asked whether Peppers could face suspension.
“We informed the NFL and we’re still gathering information,” Mayo said. “I know the team put out a statement earlier today. So, I’m not sure how the league and how we are going to handle that going forward. But we should find out more information over the next few days.”
Mayo also said he spoke to the team about Peppers’ arrest.
“I’ve already addressed it with the team,” Mayo said. “As we gather information, I think the players need to know about it so we can learn from whatever happened.”
Mayo also said Peppers wouldn’t be barred from entering the facility this week.
Follow Pro Football Network for more updates on Peppers’ situation as they become available.