New England Patriots’ Jabrill Peppers Removed from Commissioner Exempt List

New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers has been removed from the commissioner exempt list, the NFL announced on Monday. This decision comes after Peppers was arrested in early October on charges including strangulation and drug possession. He pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for a jury trial on January 22, 2025, following a pretrial hearing last Friday in Quincy, Massachusetts.

During his time on the exempt list, Peppers was not allowed to practice or attend games and did not count as part of the Patriots’ 53-man roster. His removal could pave the way for his return to the field, although the Patriots have not yet confirmed when or if he will rejoin the team. Peppers has been a key leader for the New England defense and has played in four games this season, accumulating 23 tackles, an interception, and two defended passes.

The legal issues surrounding Peppers involve allegations of domestic violence. According to police, a woman claimed that Peppers hit her, choked her multiple times, and possessed cocaine. Peppers’ attorney, Marc Brofsky, has disputed these allegations, citing video evidence that shows no injuries consistent with the woman’s claims. Brofsky also mentioned that Peppers had asked the woman to leave his residence multiple times, but she declined.

In a statement, attorneys for the plaintiff denied that they had proposed a $10.5 million settlement to avoid a civil lawsuit, as suggested by Brofsky. Instead, they proposed a settlement that included an apology from Peppers, a financial contribution to a domestic abuse support organization, intensive counseling for Peppers, and a monetary payment for the woman’s pain and suffering.

Patriots first-year coach Jerod Mayo has emphasized the team’s stance against domestic violence, stating that any such acts are unacceptable. However, Mayo also acknowledged the need for due process in Peppers’ case.