NFL Reviews New Allegations Against Running Back Josh Jacobs
The league is examining claims from three additional women alleging physical abuse by the Green Bay Packers player.
The NFL has confirmed it is reviewing new allegations of physical abuse against Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs. The review comes after at least three more women have come forward to police with similar claims.
Jacobs' attorneys, David Z. Chesnoff, Richard A. Schonfeld, and Clarence F. Duchac III, stated that the newly reported allegations are "uncorroborated" and "old." They also noted that the Brown County, Wisconsin, District Attorney’s office has been aware of these claims for months. "They conducted their own exhaustive investigation, along with the police department, and the D.A. determined that only two misdemeanor charges were warranted," the attorneys said in a statement. "They then entered into a plea agreement with Josh Jacobs. Josh has repeatedly expressed his remorse and is honoring the terms of the agreement."
In May, Jacobs was arrested on domestic abuse charges, including strangulation and suffocation, and intimidation of a victim, following an altercation with his then-girlfriend. On September 10, he pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property.
According to police records, the three women who have come forward since May reported incidents that occurred at different times. One woman alleged that in January 2022, Jacobs slapped her, threw her to the ground, choked her, spit on her, and threatened her life. Another woman reported that in April 2021, Jacobs grabbed her arms and biceps, pushed her against a wall, and discarded her belongings. A third woman alleged that in May 2022, Jacobs pulled her by the hair, placed his hands on her head and neck, dragged her, scratched her, and took her cell phone.
The NFL placed Jacobs on the commissioner's exempt list in August, causing him to miss the first six games of the season. He has since played in two games, accumulating 143 combined rushing and receiving yards. After scoring a touchdown on Thursday, Jacobs made a gesture with his hands behind his back, which he stated was a tribute to a gospel song, not a reference to handcuffs. The league's investigation into Jacobs remains open.