Judge Denies Request to Seal Evidence in NFL Star Josh Jacobs' Battery Case
A Wisconsin judge has canceled a temporary order to seal evidence, potentially allowing its release in the case against Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs.
Evidence in the battery case against suspended Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs could soon be released after a judge declined to have it permanently sealed. Brown County District Court Judge Marc A. Hammer canceled a temporary order that had sealed the evidence at the victim's request on September 10.
Beginning Friday, the decision on whether to release the evidence, which includes surveillance video according to the criminal complaint, will rest with the Hobart-Lawrence Police Department. Jacobs' attorneys stated that the victim's request to seal records was denied because the court found a more appropriate forum for such a request. They added that Josh respects the court's decision and Wisconsin law regarding victims' rights.
The NFL star was accused of throwing his former partner to the ground during an altercation in May. He pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property earlier this month.
Jacobs is currently on the NFL commissioner exempt list, preventing him from playing or practicing with the Packers until the league concludes its own investigation. A spokesman confirmed that the league has been seeking the surveillance footage described in the criminal complaint and will continue to do so once the new court order takes effect Friday.
Attorneys for the victim had requested the evidence be sealed to protect their client's privacy, particularly after Jacobs took responsibility for his actions in the criminal proceedings.
The Daily Mail is among several media outlets that have requested access to the evidence. If the Hobart-Lawrence Police Department chooses to release the footage, the victim and/or Jacobs will have the opportunity to file an appeal before any information is made public.
Jacobs was arrested on May 26, following an investigation by Hobart-Lawrence police officers into a disturbance at his home. According to police reports, the woman stated she saw Jacobs communicating with other women on his phone and, in anger, threw his phone without breaking it. She told officers that Jacobs then took her phone, and she attempted to retrieve it.
Police stated that during the struggle to retrieve the phone, Jacobs allegedly grabbed her arm and threw her to the ground, causing her to hit her head. Officers also reported that Jacobs took the phone from her while she was on the ground.
In Jacobs' absence, the Packers have started the season 1-1 and are currently last in the NFL in rushing yards per game, averaging 65.5. The team is scheduled to host the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday Night Football.