Jacobs' $1,000 fine and Packers' loyalty amid new abuse records
Green Bay retains Josh Jacobs after police files reveal three prior complaints, despite his recent conviction for battery.
By Isaac Medina ·
Josh Jacobs pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor charges in September, resulting in a $1,000 fine and a deferred judgment on a damage to property charge. That legal settlement now sits in sharp contrast to the team's continued support for the running back, who has returned to the field for the Green Bay Packers in the last two weeks.
The Packers learned of three additional women who came forward with allegations of physical and verbal abuse only after the Hobart/Lawrence Police Department released records last week. These claims predate the May 23 incident at Jacobs' home near Green Bay that led to his initial arrest. Coach Matt LaFleur stated on Monday that the team anticipates Jacobs will remain a member of the roster while the NFL completes its review.
Jacobs' legal team dismissed the new information in a Sunday statement, describing the previous claims as unsupported and stale. They emphasized that the records surfaced just two days after the police department made the files public. The NFL has not yet closed its investigation, though Jacobs has played since being removed from the commissioner exempt list in Week 7.
The league's ongoing review means Jacobs' six games on the exempt list will count toward any future suspension. LaFleur noted that the coaching staff is allowing the league to conduct its process. He declined to elaborate further on why the team is standing by Jacobs, preferring to let the procedural steps play out.
On the field, Jacobs has shown statistical impact in his limited return. In two games, he recorded 32 carries for 75 yards and one rushing touchdown. He also posted 11 receptions for 68 yards and two receiving touchdowns. These numbers come despite the Packers holding the league's worst rushing offense.
LaFleur discussed a specific detail from Thursday's game against the Carolina Panthers, where Jacobs placed his hands behind his back during a touchdown celebration. The running back explained the gesture as an ode to the gospel song Break Every Chain, unrelated to his legal situation. LaFleur said he was not aware of the incident until reviewing the footage but kept the discussion private.
The team's decision to keep Jacobs active places the running back in a complex position with the league. The NFL continues to weigh the newly released records against his recent conviction. Jacobs remains on the active roster as the Packers prepare for their next matchup.
