The NFL announced major news regarding Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers' legal problems that have kept him on the commissioner's exempt list for the last two months.
Peppers was accused of serious domestic violence allegations. He hasn't practiced or played since October, yet he is now eligible to participate in all team activities.
He pled not guilty to the charges and following the league's investigation, the NFL now feels comfortable allowing Peppers to return to the field.
NFL Reinstates Patriots S Jabrill Peppers From Commisioner's Exempt List
Jabrill Peppers is now eligible to participate in all team activities, including playing in games.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) November 25, 2024
From the NFL: “In accordance with the Personal Conduct Policy, the league initiated a preliminary investigation into an incident from early October. That review will remain… https://t.co/d0fDvDVcQU
In a statement released by the NFL, Peppers wasn't officially cleared by the investigation yet will still be allowed to participate with the team. Theoretically, he could play as soon as Sunday against the Colts.
"In accordance with the Personal Conduct Policy, the league initiated a preliminary investigation into an incident from early October," read the statement. "That review will remain ongoing and is not affected by this change in Peppers’ roster status."
Originally named a team captain going into the season, Peppers has only appeared in four games. He had 23 tackles and a pair of deflected passes prior to the allegations and will provide New England's defense with a massive boost entering the final weeks of the year.
Per a league source, the reason Patriots S Jabrill Peppers was removed from the commissioner's exempt list was because the baseline suspension for a violation of the personal conduct policy involving the actions for which he's accused is six games. He's already missed seven…
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) November 25, 2024
It's noteworthy that the NFL said the investigation is still ongoing. Peppers could still face a suspension or related punishment, though it's presumably a positive sign that he's been reinstated.
A jury trial was set for January 22 regarding Peppers' case. He could still face issues both from a legal sense and the NFL's standpoint. However, he'll now resume practice with the organization and should be back on the field soon.
For Peppers, it's a step in the right direction though there are still hurdles to clear before he's safe from potential repercussions.
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