Josh Jacobs’ Court Appearance Rescheduled Amid NFL Investigation
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs is facing two misdemeanor charges related to an incident involving his girlfriend last May. Initially slated for November 17, Jacobs’ first court appearance has been brought forward to next week, just days before the Packers’ season opener against Minnesota.
Currently, Jacobs is on the NFL’s commissioner’s exempt list, a status that prevents him from playing or practicing but allows him to continue receiving his salary. This decision was made by the league following the announcement by Brown County District Attorney David Lasee that Jacobs faces charges of battery and criminal damage to property.
While on the commissioner’s exempt list, players may participate in non-football activities at the team’s facility with permission, including meetings and rehabilitation.
The NFL is conducting its own investigation into the matter, which could potentially lead to a suspension for Jacobs. Should he be suspended, any games missed while on the exempt list will count towards this suspension, though he would have to repay his earnings during that period.
Jacobs’ legal representatives, David Z. Chesnoff, Richard A. Schonfeld, and Clarence F. Duchac III, emphasized that the exempt list placement “is not a final determination” and expressed confidence in Jacobs’ eventual return to the team.
The charges against Jacobs arise from an incident on May 26, when Hobart-Lawrence police responded to a disturbance at his home. Jacobs’ girlfriend reported a head injury after an altercation, which began when she discovered Jacobs communicating with other women on his phone. The situation escalated, resulting in a physical confrontation captured on garage surveillance footage.
Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst revealed that the team has not yet reviewed the video evidence but remains hopeful Jacobs will play this season. “But we’re going to let this process play out, and we’ll be prepared either way,” Gutekunst stated.
Last season, Jacobs rushed for 929 yards and scored 13 touchdowns. The Packers, seeking to bolster their running back lineup, recently acquired Kaleb Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers. He joins MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks, with Pierre Strong Jr. on the practice squad.
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