In a stunning development, the NFL announced on Monday that New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers has been removed from the commissioner exempt list. The move comes despite Peppers facing serious charges, including strangulation and drug possession, stemming from an alleged domestic violence incident in early October.
Peppers, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, is scheduled for a jury trial on January 22, 2024, as determined during a pretrial hearing last Friday in Quincy, Massachusetts. The hearing also revealed a potential civil lawsuit against the 29-year-old safety, with the plaintiff reportedly making a $10.5 million demand that Peppers ultimately turned down.
According to Peppers’ attorney, Marc Brofsky, the demand may not technically be extortion but is “highly probative and tells you what this case is all about.” However, attorneys for the plaintiff deny asking for $10.5 million to avoid a civil lawsuit, instead claiming they presented a proposal that included an apology, a financial contribution to a domestic abuse support organization, counseling for Peppers, and compensation for their client’s pain and suffering.
Accusations and Evidence
The alleged victim, who police say had been dating Peppers on and off for about three years, accused the NFL player of hitting her, choking her at least six times, removing her clothing, and forcing her outside. She also claimed Peppers shoved her to the ground, pushed her head into a wall, and strangled her with his hands.
However, Brofsky maintains that video evidence shows no injuries consistent with the alleged assault, with the woman only having a small scrape on her knee. The attorney also stated that Peppers asked the woman to leave his residence multiple times, but she refused to do so.
Patriots and NFL Response
Following Peppers’ arrest, Patriots first-year coach Jerod Mayo addressed the situation, emphasizing the team’s stance against domestic violence:
I just want to be clear — any act of domestic violence is unacceptable for us as a team, whether you’re a player, staff member. We’re wholeheartedly against any type of domestic violence. I know the organization’s position, which I fully support,
Jerod Mayo, New England Patriots Coach
Mayo also acknowledged the need for due process in Peppers’ case, stating, “With that being said, I do think that Jabrill has to continue to go through due process. We’ll see how that works out.”
The NFL’s decision to remove Peppers from the commissioner exempt list allows him to return to practice and attend games while the legal process unfolds. The list, which is part of the league’s player conduct policy, is used to temporarily move a player off the active roster when they are involved in a criminal investigation or facing charges.
Peppers’ NFL Career
Jabrill Peppers, a former first-round draft pick, is in his eighth NFL season and third with the New England Patriots. He serves as a team captain and has been a key contributor to the Patriots’ defense since joining the team.
The safety’s removal from the commissioner exempt list raises questions about his future with the team and in the league. As the legal process unfolds, the Patriots and the NFL will likely monitor the situation closely, with the potential for further disciplinary action depending on the outcome of the case.
For now, Peppers’ status remains uncertain as he faces serious allegations off the field while attempting to continue his NFL career. The coming months will be crucial in determining the fate of the embattled safety, both in terms of his legal battles and his professional future in the league.
