NFL Reinstates Jabrill Peppers; Will the Patriots Let Him Play?

The National Football League made a surprise announcement on Tuesday. They removed New England Patriots captain Jabrill Peppers from the Commissioner’s Exempt List. The move enables the safety to play in New England’s next game.

Officers from the Braintree (Mass.) Police Department arrested Jabrill Peppers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. It was the day before the Patriots were scheduled to host the Miami Dolphins, a game which Peppers was inactive for. News of his arrest went public on that Monday, Oct. 7, when he was arraigned in Quincy District Court. The charges against Peppers included assault and battery, assault and battery with a deadly weapon, strangulation, and possession of a Class B substance, believed to be cocaine.

The NFL placed Peppers on the Commissioner’s Exempt List, which prohibited him from playing, practicing, or attending games. It was a temporary but indefinite designation while the case was investigated further. Tuesday’s announcement does not include this situation for Jabrill Peppers from a legal standpoint or in regard to further potential discipline from the league.

Also Read – Patriots Captain Jabrill Peppers Arrested, Faces Multiple Charges

Statment From the NFL

The following statement was released from the National Football League:

“Status of Patriots’ Peppers Changed

The National Football League today removed Jabrill Peppers of the New England Patriots from the Commissioner Exempt List. Peppers has missed seven games since being placed on the list on October 9.

Peppers, who was not permitted to practice or attend games while on the list, is now eligible to participate in all team activities, including playing in games.

In accordance with the Personal Conduct Policy, the league initiated a preliminary investigation into an incident from early October. That review will remain ongoing and is not affected by this change in Peppers’ roster status.“

What This Means for Jabrill Peppers

Despite Peppers getting reinstated, his future remains unclear. His jury trial on the charges stemming from his arrest is scheduled to begin on Jan. 22, 2025. While he is eligible to return to the New England Patriots, the team may opt to keep him sidelined throughout the season. Patriots owner Robert Kraft has publicly stated that if Peppers is guilty of what he has been accused of he will never play for the franchise again.

The ball is now in the Patriots’ court. The NFL has given the franchise the green light to play him as soon as Week 13 against the Indianapolis Colts. Kraft needs to decide whether or not he will give Peppers the benefit of “innocent until proven guilty” and allow him to finish out the 2024 season before his trial takes place in January.

New England’s franchise is very aware of public perception. Whatever they decide to do with Peppers, the pros and cons of all options will be carefully considered.

Jabrill Peppers Response

Following the NFL’s announcement, Jabrill Peppers took to Instagram. He posted the message, “Smile through it all, it’s gon be alright!”

Peppers told police at the scene, as detailed in the report from the Braintree (Mass.) Police Department, the alleged victim fell down the stairs because she was intoxicated. He claimed she insisted on having unprotected sex with him and became agitated when he refused. Peppers told police she made the allegations to ruin his career.

Jabrill Peppers pled not guilty to all charges. Now, the New England Patriots must decide whether Peppers will play again in 2024.