QUINCY, Mass. — Jabrill Peppers, the safety for the New England Patriots, is set to stand trial on Wednesday following allegations of domestic violence against his girlfriend. The accusations involve him reportedly forcing her head into a wall and choking her multiple times after she received a phone call while they were in bed.

The 29-year-old athlete is facing serious charges, including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and the possession of a Class B substance believed to be cocaine, according to court documents. He is scheduled to appear in court in Quincy, Massachusetts.

In October, police in Braintree, Massachusetts, were alerted to an altercation at a residence. Allegations indicate that Peppers allegedly pushed the woman to the ground, smashed her head against a wall, and choked her six times. While police noted her injuries, she opted against seeking hospital treatment and was instead cared for at the home.

Upon the arrival of law enforcement, Peppers answered the door without a shirt and reportedly acknowledged the situation by stating, “I know what is going on.” He was subsequently arrested without incident. Police discovered a clear plastic bag at the residence with a white powder that was confirmed to be cocaine through testing.

During an earlier court appearance in October, Peppers’ lawyer, Marc Brofsky, claimed that there is evidence that creates significant doubt regarding the allegations, including video footage. He also mentioned that Peppers has agreed to refrain from contacting the woman involved.

Since being placed on the commissioner’s exempt list on October 9 due to the incident, Peppers has missed seven games. This exempt status barred him from practicing or participating in games with the Patriots; however, it allowed NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to place a player on paid administrative leave while examining the situation. Peppers was reinstated from the exempt list on November 25 but only played in two of the final five games of the season due to injuries to his foot and hamstring. He was ultimately placed on injured reserve ahead of the Patriots’ season-ending matchup against the Buffalo Bills on January 5.

The Patriots extended Peppers’ contract this past summer, marking his third season with the team. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2017 and spent two seasons there before playing three seasons with the New York Giants.

The NFL has stated that its investigation into Peppers’ criminal case is ongoing and will proceed regardless of changes in his roster status that authorized him to return to play. His contract with the Patriots currently extends through 2027.