Braintree (Mass.) police arrested Patriots cornerback Jabrill Peppers on Saturday on charges related to assault and drug possession.
Peppers, New England's defensive captain, was a notable absence from Sunday's clash between the Pats and the Dolphins. His nonappearance wasn't related to his arrest, however.
The 29-year-old is one of New England's most prominent defenders, with Pro Football Focus grading him the fifth-best safety in football in 2023.
Here's the latest on Peppers' legal status going forward.
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Jabrill Peppers arrest
Police responded to a disturbance at a Braintree, Mass., residence on Saturday morning and proceeded to arrest Peppers after a brief investigation. The incident reportedly involved two people fighting.
The alleged victim was treated on the scene. According to WCVB's Peter Eliopolous reported that the victim, reportedly Peppers' girlfriend, is accusing the Patriots CB of hitting her and choking her at least six times before pushing her down a set of stairs, according to court documents.
Peppers denied those claims, alleging she "fell by herself on the stairs because she was intoxicated," according to the police report (via WCVB).
Peppers was summarily booked on several charges, including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, strangulation and possession of a Class B substance believed to be cocaine.
Head coach Jerod Mayo told Boston-based sports radio show WEEI that the Patriots were aware of Peppers' detention.
"He called me that morning. I knew what was going on," Mayo said. "We've informed the NFL what was going on and we're still gathering information. ... I don't think anyone knows the facts or anything like that. It's a process."
The Patriots released a statement acknowledging they were "aware of an incident involving Jabrill Peppers over the weekend in which the police are currently investigating" and would have no further comment."
What is a Class B substance?
A part of Massachusetts' "controlled substances" policy governed by the state's General Laws Chapter 94C, Class B substances reference to cocaine, ecstasy, amphetamines ("speed"), LSD, PCP, Methamphetamines ("meth") and prescription medications like Oxycodone (Percocet and Percodan).
Class B substances represent the second-highest tier of controlled substances and offenses revolving around Class B substances could be subject to "severe criminal penalties," according to Massachusetts' based law firm Law Offices of William D. Kicham Esq. and Associates.
Why did Jabrill Peppers miss Week 5?
Peppers missed out on New England's Week 5 loss to Miami. He was dealing with a shoulder injury, one that limited him in practice throughout the week.
The Patriots officially ruled their defensive captain out on Saturday.
