Patriots star Jabrill Peppers says he has video evidence that will exonerate him of all charges after he was arrested for allegedly strangling his girlfriend and pushing her down the stairs.
The NFL safety and team captain was arrested just hours after his 29th birthday Saturday morning, and police announced details of the arrest Monday morning.
Peppers is expected to be charged with assault and battery, assault and battery with a deadly weapon, strangulation and possession of a Class B drug which police believe was cocaine.
He was seen for the first time since his arrest on Monday when he was filmed leaving Quincy District Court, and his attorney insisted they have evidence that contradicts the alleged victim’s story.
Although Peppers did not speak, his attorney told reporters, “He’s not going to comment now, but what I said in the courtroom I will repeat.”
Jabrill Peppers looks on in court during his arraignment Monday morning.
Speaking to reporters outside, his lawyer said they have video evidence to exonerate him.
NFL player accused of strangling and assaulting someone with a deadly weapon
“We have evidence that completely contradicts the alleged victim’s story and I hope my client is completely exonerated.”
When asked if it was video evidence, he added: “Yes, and other evidence too.”
In a statement Monday morning, the Patriots said, “We are aware of an incident involving Jabrill Peppers over the weekend that law enforcement is currently investigating.” “We will have no further comment at this time.”
Speaking to reporters, Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo added: “He called me that morning. He knew what was going on.
‘We’ve informed the NFL what was going on and we’re still gathering information… I don’t think anyone knows the facts or anything like that. It’s a process.’
Peppers did not play in Sunday’s loss to the Miami Dolphins with a shoulder injury and his future status is unclear.
Peppers had started the Patriots’ first four games of the season, but was out with an injury Sunday.
Police allegedly found cocaine on his property after an altercation, prompting police to be called.
Peppers was selected in the first round and has spent time in Cleveland and New York.
Peppers turned 29 on Friday – just hours before the arrest – and had played in the Patriots’ first four games of the season.
He was drafted in the first round by the Cleveland Browns in 2017 after an impressive college season with Michigan, and in 2019 he was acquired by the New York Giants.
After three years in New York, he moved to the Patriots, where he has established himself as one of the team’s best players and a regular starter.
In July of this year, he agreed to a new three-year, $30 million contract with the team.