A captain on the New England Patriots appeared in court Monday to face serious charges.
New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers was arrested early Saturday morning on multiple charges, including assault.
Braintree police said they responded to a disturbance at a residential address early Saturday morning. The caller indicated that there was an altercation between two people.
An investigation ensued, and they said Peppers, 29, was arrested. Police said he will be charged with assault and battery on an intimate partner, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, strangulation and possession of cocaine.
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According to a police report, the victim told police that Peppers smashed her head against the wall and pushed her down the stairs. She also had reported over the phone to dispatchers that he had "choked her at least six times."
The woman told police Peppers became upset when someone called her phone while they were having sex. She says he pushed her down the steps, grabbed her neck and smashed it against a wall.
Police said the woman declined medical help.
Peppers denied the woman's account, saying she fell down the stairs while intoxicated.
He also told police he believed she was making the allegations to destroy his career. Police noted they did not notice signs that the victim was drunk when they interacted with her.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), visiting www.thehotline.org or texting LOVEIS to 22522.
The victim was treated by emergency medical services at the scene. No information on their condition was released.
Peppers appeared in Quincy District Court for a brief arraignment hearing on Monday morning. Not guilty pleas were entered on all counts, and he was ordered to not have any contact with the alleged victim.
His attorney said in court that Peppers did not object to the condition, despite there being evidence that casts doubt on the allegations.
Peppers posted a $2,500 bail on the charges. His next court appearance will be Nov. 22, but his appearance is waived.
He is a team captain but did not play in Sunday's loss to the Miami Dolphins due to a shoulder injury. The 29-year-old plays safety for the Patriots and is a New Jersey native. This is his third season in New England, after three seasons with the New York Giants and two with the Cleveland Browns.
The Patriots issued a statement about the situation on Monday morning.
"We are aware of an incident involving Jabrill Peppers over the weekend in which the police are currently investigating. We will have no further comment at this time," the statement said.
