In a stunning turn of events, New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers has found himself in hot water after being arrested in Braintree, Mass. on a slew of charges. This unfortunate incident has led to the NFL placing Peppers on the commissioner’s exempt list, effectively sidelining him from any football activities for the time being.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Peppers “may not practice or attend games while on the list.” This is certainly a major blow for the eighth-year safety, who has been a key contributor for the Patriots this season, starting four games and tallying an interception along with 23 combined tackles.
The arrest stemmed from a disturbing incident that took place in the early hours of Saturday morning, prompting a neighbor to call 9-1-1. Reports indicate that Peppers was involved in a physical altercation with his girlfriend, leading to charges of assault and battery on a family member, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, possession of a Class B substance believed to be cocaine, and strangulation.
Details of the incident were revealed in a police report obtained by Peter Eliopoulos and Jamy Pombo Sesselman of WCVB-TV in Boston. The report stated that Peppers “hit her, choked her, took off her clothing and put her outside.” These troubling allegations have undoubtedly cast a dark shadow over the talented defensive back’s career.
Prior to his time in New England, Peppers had stints with the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants. His impressive collegiate career at Michigan culminated in him being named an All-American in 2016. However, this recent legal entanglement threatens to overshadow his accomplishments on the field.
As the NFL continues its investigation into the matter, it remains to be seen how Peppers’ future with the Patriots, and possibly in the league as a whole, will unfold. For now, all eyes are on the embattled safety as he navigates through this tumultuous period in his career.
