Former Michigan Heisman finalist’s trial delayed by broken water pipe

The trial of a former Michigan football star has been delayed.

Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers was scheduled to appear in a Quincy, Mass., courtroom Wednesday, but the Associated Press reported that a broken water main would not make that possible.

Peppers, a two-way star and 2016 Heisman Trophy finalist, is accused of pushing his girlfriend’s head against a wall and strangling her multiple times while they were in bed together.

Peppers faces charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and possession of a Class B substance suspected to be cocaine.

He pleaded not guilty in October 2024 to his lawyer, Marc Brofsky, saying the evidence “casts real doubt on the allegations, including the videotaped evidence.” reported the Associated Press.

Peppers’ case was postponed until Thursday.

Peppers, who was in his eighth NFL season, missed seven games after being placed on the commissioner’s exempt list on October 9.

He was removed from the roster on November 25, but appeared in only two of the Patriots’ final five games due to foot and hamstring injuries.

The 2017 first-round pick signed a three-year, $24 million extension in July after a career year in 2023, in which he played and started 15 games, recording 78 tackles, two interceptions, one sack and eight assists while playing 96% defense. snaps into place.

He was voted team captain that season and was in his third year in New England. Peppers was originally drafted by Cleveland and spent two seasons with the Browns before playing for the New York Giants for three seasons.

He has 511 tackles, seven interceptions, seven fumble recoveries and 5.5 sacks in his career.