NFL removes Jabrill Peppers from the commisioner's exempt list

Effective immediately, Jabril Peppers has been removed from the NFL's commissioner's exempt list and is now eligible to return to the facility, practice, and play.

Peppers has been on the list since October 9th. He was placed there four days after being arrested on charges of assault and battery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, strangulation, and possession of cocaine. He is scheduled to go to trial on January 22nd.

The team released a statement a short time ago:

"The league has removed Jabrill Peppers from the commissioner’s exempt list. After missing the past seven games, he will now return to the active roster. We understand that the league’s investigation into the matter will continue, as will the legal process. We will await the outcome of both before making any further comment."

The safety has missed the last eight games, seven since being put on the list and one the day after his arrest by Braintree police. He had been on the Pats' injury report that week, and initially, the team used that as cover until the news came out.

The league's complete statement read as follows:

"The National Football League today (Monday) 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."

Braintree police were called to a residential address at around 4:15 a.m. on October 5th after getting reports of an altercation between two people. The alleged female victim believed to be his girlfriend, told police Peppers repeatedly struck her and choked her six times. 

In a court appearance on November 22, Peppers' attorney, Marc Brofksy, argued that the crimes his client has been accused of "didn't happen." He then went on to say the plaintiff demanded $10.5 million from Peppers. Her lawyers said the player's side asked to meet about a possible settlement, and that number was never requested.

Peppers inked a three-year extension this summer for $24 million. He joined the team as a free agent in the spring of 2022 and was voted a team captain before the regular season started.