New England Patriots defensive back Jabrill Peppers will be away from the team indefinitely in the wake of his arrest.
The NFL announced on Wednesday that Peppers has been placed on the Commissioner Exempt List, which means he cannot practice with the Patriots or attend games. Players who are on the Commissioner Exempt List are still paid.
Peppers was arrested in Braintree, Mass., early Saturday morning after police responded to a disturbance. He was arraigned on Monday on charges of assault and battery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, strangulation and possession of cocaine.
The alleged victim told police in a 911 call that Peppers “hit her, choked her, took off her clothing and put her outside” after an argument became physical, according to an arrest report. The woman also accused Peppers of smashing her head against a wall and pushing her down some stairs.
Peppers’ attorney said Monday that he is confident there is evidence that will result in Peppers being “fully exonerated.” TMZ reports that Peppers told police he is innocent and said the woman became enraged after he refused to have unprotected sex with her. Peppers says the woman fell down the stairs because she was intoxicated.
Peppers, a team captain, was inactive for Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins. He was initially listed as questionable with a shoulder injury but was downgraded to out on Saturday. It is unclear if Peppers would have played had he not gotten arrested.
The 29-year-old Peppers is in his third season with the Patriots. He has been one of the anchors of the team’s defense, which is why he was rewarded with a 3-year, $30 million contract this offseason.
