### Patriots' Jabrill Peppers Arrested on Assault and Drug Charges

New England Patriots captain and safety Jabrill Peppers was charged with assault, strangulation, and drug possession on Monday following an altercation at a Braintree apartment. The incident occurred early Saturday morning involving Peppers, 29, and his girlfriend.

Braintree police responded at 4:15 a.m. to a disturbance call at a Liberty Street residence. According to the police report, the caller claimed that Peppers "hit her, choked her, took off her clothing and put her outside." The woman reported that Peppers put his hand on her neck, smashed her head against a wall, and pushed her down the stairs after an argument.

Upon his arrest, Peppers was found with a clear plastic bag containing a white powder, which he identified as cocaine. He was taken to Braintree Police Station, where he denied the allegations, asserting he had asked the woman to leave his apartment multiple times and that she fell on the stairs due to intoxication. Peppers further claimed that the woman made the allegations to ruin his career.

The charges against Peppers include assault and battery on a family member, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, strangulation, and possession of a Class B Substance believed to be cocaine. The victim was treated on the scene. During his arraignment at Quincy District Court, Peppers entered a not guilty plea and was held on a $2,500 bail, with an order to stay away from the alleged victim.

Peppers' attorney stated that there is evidence casting significant doubt on the allegations. The New England Patriots acknowledged the incident but provided limited details. Coach Jerod Mayo mentioned, "We informed the NFL, and we are still gathering information."

Due to the incident, Peppers was downgraded to out for the Patriots' game against the Dolphins, as he was already listed as questionable with a shoulder injury. The team continues to assess the situation and awaits further developments. A hearing in the case is scheduled for November 22, but Peppers' presence at the hearing has been waived.