new england patriots Owner Robert Kraft said this week that if disturbing allegations against safety Jabrill Peppers related to domestic violence are true, he will be removed from the team.
But the longtime NFL owner warned that the team will wait for due process.
New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers will appear in Quincy, Massachusetts District Court for arraignment on Monday, October 7th. (Matt Stone/Boston Herald/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
Appearing on the popular morning radio show “The Breakfast Club,” Kraft said the team is conducting its own investigation in addition to the league's investigation before making a decision about Pepper's future with the Patriots. Ta. he was arrested last weekend He was charged with assault, strangulation and drug possession.
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“We live in a world now where a lot of things are reported on social media, and it's not fair in a situation like this,” Craft began. “When you first read this, it turns your stomach. But we learned — and I don't know the facts of this case, and [Patriots coach Jerod Mayo] They called me and we talked about it. Once he's on the commissioner's exempt list, they'll do their own checks. We're doing our own thing. And if what is being reported is true, he is no more. ”
Peppers, 29, is accused of attacking his girlfriend after he reportedly received a phone call from her while the two were in bed. Police were called to the home early Saturday morning on a report of an altercation, according to court documents.
Documents say Peppers allegedly pushed the woman to the ground, pushed her head against a wall and attempted to strangle her. The woman told law enforcement that she suspected Peppers strangled her at least six times before forcing her out of the home, according to court documents.
New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers, 5, stands on the field with his teammates before a game against the Washington Commanders at Commanders Field. (Tommy Gilligan-USA Today Sports)
Police also claimed they found a clear plastic bag containing a white powder in his home, which later tested positive for cocaine.
Patriots' Jabrill Peppers placed on commissioner's exempt list after arrest
Peppers appeared in court Monday and pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and possession of a class “B” substance believed to be cocaine.
Amid the allegations, Peppers was initially allowed to return to the team's training facility; Commissioner's exemption list on wednesday.
“Any act of domestic violence is unacceptable to us,” Mayo said Wednesday. “That being said, I think Jabril has to go through the system and continue due process. We'll see how that goes.”
Mr. Kraft agreed, adding, “Some have pointed out that this was a set-up and that what was being reported was not accurate.''
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft before the AFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. (Rich Barnes-USA Today Sports)
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Mr. Kraft said he had “personally” experienced something similar and would like to wait for the investigation and facts to be determined. However, if the suspicions turn out to be true, he will not allow exceptions.
“There's a saying that I used with all of my key players: when it comes to important life decisions, measure nine times and cut once. And in this case, if what's being reported is true, If there is, I think he's dead, but we want him to recover.'' ”
Peppers' attorney, Mark Brofsky, said in court Monday that the evidence, including videotaped evidence, “casts real doubt on the allegations.” Mr. Kraft said he had not seen the evidence.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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