New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers was acquitted of assault and battery charges in a Massachusetts jury trial. Testifying in his defense, Peppers denied allegations made by a woman who claimed he assaulted her after a dispute about phone calls made to her while they were in bed. The woman testified that Peppers choked her, slammed her against the wall, and pushed her down the stairs. She described her emotional experience during the incident, including Peppers filming her as she attempted to leave. Despite the woman's testimony and police reports supporting her claims, Peppers maintained that she was trying to ruin his career. The case was further complicated by a civil lawsuit filed against Peppers by the woman, seeking $9.5 million. Following the incident, Peppers was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list, missing seven games this season. He had previously signed a contract extension with the Patriots.