The question has been asked for years: does the NFL have a player violence problem relating to off-the-field incidents? While there isn’t a definitive answer, Jabril Peppers only added fuel to the fire after he was arrested over the weekend.
The New England Patriots safety was arrested and charged with assault, strangulation, battery with a dangerous weapon, and possession of an illegal substance, which is believed to be cocaine, according to the Associated Press.
There is no evidence that prior to this arrest Peppers has ever been accused of or arrested over violence. In fact, Peppers’ attorney Marc Brofsky claimed during his arraignment Monday that there is videotaped evidence that would go against the allegations made against his client.
More from the Associated Press:
Braintree police said they were called to a home for an altercation between two people early Saturday. The charges allege Peppers shoved a girlfriend to the ground, shoved her head into a wall, and put his hands around her neck to strangle her. Police said she was treated at home for injuries to her face and knees.
Peppers was arrested and posted $2,500 bail. His next court date is scheduled for Nov. 22, but he was allowed to waive his appearance.
Despite his arrest, Peppers is still allowed to practice with the Patriots. During a Monday presser, head coach Jerrod Mayo said, “We don’t know enough to say he shouldn’t be in the building.”
While at Michigan, Peppers was a defensive star. In his final year, he finished fifth in the Heisman voting.
In the 2017 NFL Draft, he was taken by the Cleveland Browns in the first round and has since bounced around to a couple of other teams including the New York Giants and now, the New England Patriots.