New England Patriots safety and team captain Jabrill Peppers was taken into custody early Saturday morning in Braintree, Massachusetts, after police responded to a disturbance call at a residential address.
The incident has led to charges of assault, strangulation, and drug possession. According to the police report, officers arrived at the scene to find an altercation between two individuals. Jabrill Peppers is now accused of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, strangulation, and possession of a Class B substance, which the officials believe to be cocaine. ABC News reports that the Braintree police also stated that the alleged victim had received medical attention at the scene.
According to ESPN, the 29-year-old, who was named a Patriots’ captain right before the season, did not participate in the team’s recent 15-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins due to a shoulder injury. His absence was officially noted by the team on Friday, a day before his arrest.
The Patriots have acknowledged the incident but have refrained from making any detailed comments.
“We are aware of an incident involving Jabrill Peppers over the weekend in which the police are currently investigating,” the team said in a statement. “We will have no further comment at this time.”
Head coach Jerod Mayo addressed the situation during a press call on Monday, stating that the team is still gathering information. “We don’t know enough to say he shouldn’t be in the building,” Mayo remarked, indicating that Peppers will continue to have access to the Patriots’ facilities for now.
Jabrill Peppers’ arraignment is scheduled for Monday in Quincy District Court. It remains unclear whether he has legal representation at this time. The Patriots signed Peppers to an extension over the summer, marking his third season with the team. He was first drafted about seven years ago to play for the Cleveland Browns and later played for the New York Giants before joining the Patriots.