Josh Jacobs Lawsuit Against Police Department
Running back Josh Jacobs, who plays for the Green Bay Packers, has initiated legal action against the Hobart-Lawrence Police Department. His aim is to have evidence related to his battery case kept confidential permanently.
The criminal complaint details accusations against Jacobs, which include allegedly throwing his ex-girlfriend to the ground and damaging her phone. Reports indicate that a video capturing events in a garage exists, and the NFL is reportedly looking to obtain this footage as part of their investigation into the matter, as noted by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
In his complaint, Jacobs argues that the police should refrain from publicly sharing any “descriptions, images, audio recordings, video recordings, statements, communications, or other materials” that could jeopardize the woman’s “privacy, dignity, safety, emotional well-being, or ability to obtain closure.”
The complaint also mentions that public figures in sports have recently been targets for robberies and related crimes. Releasing the video could inadvertently disclose private areas of Jacobs’ garage, which may heighten his risk, the complaint suggests.
It states, “The public availability of (Jacobs’) schedule or travel information increases the risk that persons could identify periods when (Jacobs) is away from home and use released information concerning the residence, garage, access points, security arrangements, or property to target the property.” This means that making such details public would dangerously enhance Jacobs’ susceptibility to theft and other targeted crimes.
Previously, Jacobs pleaded no contest to charges of battery and criminal damage to property stemming from an incident that occurred on May 23. Both offenses were classified as misdemeanors, and he has been ordered to not contact the woman involved, to pay restitution, undergo counseling, and to be under supervision for one year.
As for the aforementioned video, it has not yet been released. The woman’s legal team submitted a motion last month requesting that the evidence be sealed, adding another layer of complexity to the case.
Currently, Jacobs remains on the Commissioner’s Exempt List, and any time spent there will count toward a potential suspension. The NFL is still reviewing the situation under its personal conduct policy, and no timeline for a decision has been established.
For context, first-time domestic violence offenses typically incur a baseline suspension of six games without pay under NFL policy, with the possibility for this to be extended based on various factors, like the use of a weapon or repeated acts of violence.
