Patriots' Jabrill Peppers faces more legal trouble over cocaine possession 3 months after arrest 

The courtroom in Quincy, Massachusetts, became the latest stage for Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers' mounting legal challenges on Thursday. Peppers, 29, confronted multiple legal charges stemming from an October 2024 arrest in Braintree.

The NFL player pleaded guilty to cocaine possession just moments before his domestic violence trial was set to begin.

The incident unfolded at the Quincy District Court, where Peppers faced serious allegations that initially included assault and battery charges against his girlfriend.

"There might be some evidence [Thursday] where the defense says look she said she had her head bashed against a wall but she didn't go to the hospital," former prosecutor Wendy Murphy said, highlighting the complexity of the case.

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Jabrill Peppers' legal team, led by attorney Marc Brofsky, emphasized his clean record and cooperation with legal proceedings. The cocaine possession charge was continued without a finding for four months, with Peppers required to remain drug-free.

Peppers faces additional charges including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and strangulation.

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The NFL's rigorous drug testing program played a crucial role in Jabrill Peppers' case. According to Marc Brofsky, Peppers underwent extensive monitoring, being tested up to 10 times monthly since his October arrest.

Peppers' journey from team captain to legal defendant shocked many. The Patriots had extended his contract and named him captain in 2024, only to strip him of that status following the October incident.

The player missed seven games after being placed on the commissioner's exempt list on October 9. He returned to the team on November 25, playing in just two of the Patriots' final five games due to injury.

Prosecutors plan to call three witnesses during the ongoing trial, including the alleged victim and two police officers. Peppers has maintained his innocence on the domestic violence charges, claiming the allegations are an attempt to damage his NFL career.

The case continues to unfold, with six jurors selected and opening arguments begun shortly before 11 a.m. on the trial's first day.