Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs pleaded no contest on Thursday to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property stemming from an incident involving his ex-girlfriend. The resolution of his legal case now leaves him awaiting a review and potential suspension from the NFL under its Personal Conduct Policy.
Jacobs, who is currently on the NFL's exempt list and being paid, acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and took responsibility for his actions. His attorneys stated that the resolution is set against a career of community work and that he has accepted responsibility for his conduct. The NFL has not provided a timetable for its review of the matter.
Under the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy, a first-time offense for battery involving physical force carries a baseline suspension of six games. However, the league can adjust this based on mitigating circumstances. Jacobs' plea agreement requires him to pay a $1,000 fine, avoid further illegal contact, comply with supervision, complete a batterers' intervention program, and pay restitution to the victim over the next 12 months. Failure to meet these conditions could result in him being found guilty of the original charges, each carrying a maximum of nine months in jail and a $10,000 fine.
The resolution of the legal proceedings clears the way for Jacobs to potentially rejoin his team earlier than if the case had gone to trial, which had been scheduled for November. However, his return remains uncertain pending the NFL's disciplinary decision. The exempt list suspension means he is being paid, but a suspension under the Personal Conduct Policy would be without pay.