"Initially, it turns your stomach": Patriots owner Robert Kraft issues blunt message on Jabrill Peppers' arrest
Earlier this week, the New England Patriots woke up to some shocking news after reports emerged of safety Jabrill Peppers' arrest over the weekend.
The NFL safety was arrested early morning on Oct. 5, on charges of assault and battery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, strangulation and possession of a Class B drug that police believe was cocaine. On Wednesday, the NFL placed Peppers on the Commissioner Exempt List.
During an appearance on The Breakfast Club this week, Patriots owner Robert Kraft addressed Peppers' arrest and the gruesome reports from the weekend.
"When you read the thing (police report) initially, it turns your stomach," Kraft said.
"Once he goes on the commissioner exempt list, they do their independent checking. We're doing ours. If what was reported is true, he's gone."
Kraft also noted that there were some suggestions that the whole thing was a set-up but stressed that the franchise is committed to getting all their facts straight.
"I think in this case, if what’s been reported is true, he’s gone, but we want to get the facts.”
Jabrill Peppers' attorney denies all allegations against Patriots safety
Soon after reports emerged of Peppers' arrest, the Patriots safety's attorney told reporters that the allegations against his client were false:
“What I said in the court room, I’ll repeat: We have evidence that completely contradicts the alleged victim’s story, and I expect my client to be fully exonerated.”
Peppers' attorney also added that they have video evidence that will lead to the NFL safety's exoneration.
Peppers pleaded not guilty to the laundry list of charges on Monday. He reportedly posted $2,500 in bail and was ordered to stay away from the woman who filed the complaint.
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo also stressed that the team is taking the allegations very seriously:
"Any act of domestic violence is unacceptable for us. As a team, no matter if you're a player, staff member, we're wholeheartedly against any type of domestic violence. I know the organization's position, which I fully support."