New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers is facing charges of assault, strangulation, and drug possession after an altercation in Braintree on Saturday morning, according to Boston 25 News.
Boston 25 News reports that Peppers was arrested after officers responded to a call that there was an altercation between two people.
Peppers is being charged with assault and battery, strangulation, and possession of a class “B” substance believed to be cocaine.
The victim was treated by EMS at the scene. Peppers was scheduled to appear in court on Monday.
"We are aware of an incident involving Jabrill Peppers over the weekend in which the police are currently investigating," the Patriots said in a statement. "We will have no further comment at this time."
Peppers, who turned 29 on Friday, was named a Patriots captain this season, his third with the team. He had started the first four games this season, but was listed as questionable with a shoulder injury this week before being downgraded to out on Saturday. The team did not mention Peppers' arrest when he was downgraded to out.
UPDATE: Peppers pleaded not guilty in court on Monday. According to court documents, as shared by Bob Ward of Boston 25 News, Peppers' girlfriend told police he put his hands on her neck, smashed her head against a wall, and pushed her down the stairs.
Peppers posted $2,500 bail, was ordered to not have any contact with the victim, and now has a hearing scheduled for Nov. 22. Peppers' attorney told reporters that there is video evidence that contradicts the victim's account.