Content Warning: This story contains depictions of domestic violence.
New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers was arrested Saturday in Braintree, Mass after allegedly choking his girlfriend and pushing her down a flight of stairs.
According to a police report viewed by Boston 25 News, Peppers was arrested after police were called about a residential disturbance in a home. The person who called in the disturbance said that two people appeared to be fighting.
Once the police arrived at the home, they found Peppers and his girlfriend, who has not been named. According to court documents, she accused Peppers of hitting her and choking her six times.
“My boyfriend put his hand on my neck and smashed my head against the wall, then he pushed me down the stairs,” she told police via Peter Eliopoulos of WVCB. The report said that she was treated by EMS at the scene for injuries to her head and neck.
After Peppers was arrested, he was charged with assault and battery, strangulation and possession of a Class “B” substance. According to Boston 25 News, the substance is believed to be cocaine. He was released after posting $2,500 bail and pleaded not guilty at his court appearance Monday morning.
The Patriots released a statement regarding Peppers and his ongoing situation.
“We are aware of an incident involving Jabrill Peppers over the weekend in which the police are currently investigating,” the statement reads. “We will have no further comment at this time.”
Head coach Jerod Mayo told the media Monday that Peppers is allowed to be in the building while the Patriots gather more information. He also said that the players have been told about the situation.
“Players need to know about it so we can learn from whatever happened,” Mayo said.
