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

Patriots captain Jabrill Peppers found himself in legal trouble over the weekend, facing charges of assault, strangulation, and drug possession. Police reports indicate that Peppers, 29, was involved in an altercation at a home, during which he allegedly attacked his girlfriend after she received a phone call while they were in bed.

During his arraignment on Monday at Quincy District Court, Peppers pleaded not guilty to various charges, including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and possession of a Class B substance, identified as cocaine. The incident, which took place early Saturday, involved Peppers pushing the woman to the ground, shoving her head into a wall, and attempting to strangle her, according to court documents.

The woman recounted to police that Peppers choked her at least six times and subsequently forced her out of the home. Despite her injuries, she declined to go to a hospital and was treated at the scene. When officers arrived, Peppers answered the door shirtless and acknowledged the situation, leading to his arrest without any resistance. A clear plastic bag containing cocaine was later found at the residence.

Peppers was released after posting a $2,500 bail and is scheduled to appear in court again on November 22. However, he has been allowed to waive his appearance for this date. His attorney, Marc Brofsky, argued in court that there is evidence, including videotapes, that casts doubt on the allegations. Peppers agreed not to contact the woman involved in the incident.

Patriots coach Jerod Mayo addressed the situation with reporters on Monday, stating that the organization is still gathering information regarding Peppers' arrest. For now, Peppers will be permitted to remain at the Patriots' facilities. Mayo emphasized the need for the team to understand the situation thoroughly and learn from it, hinting at potential action from the NFL in the coming days.

Peppers, currently dealing with a shoulder injury, did not play in the Patriots' recent 15-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Signed to an extension over the summer, the safety is in his third season with the Patriots after previous stints with the Cleveland Browns and the New York Giants.