Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs faces an uncertain NFL disciplinary timeline after a Wisconsin judge declined a proposed order to permanently seal evidence in his recent misdemeanor battery case, citing procedural errors in the filing.
The Procedural Stumbling Block in Brown County Court
A Brown County judge blocked an attempt to shield sensitive evidence from public view in the criminal case involving Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs, pointing to technical filing errors. Brown County Circuit Court Judge Marc Hammer declined to sign a proposed order that would have permanently sealed case records and video footage, adding a small notation at the top of the document stating it was electronically declined
because it was in an improper format.
The ruling leaves in place a temporary protective order that Hammer temporarily sealed the case record on Sept. 10 at the request of Jacobs’ attorney, Clarence Duchac III. Court records show that a new hearing has been scheduled to address a revised order, while Jacobs is not required to attend the hearing set for next Thursday.
Arguments Over Privacy Rights and Public Access
Attorneys representing Jacobs’ ex-girlfriend filed a motion to keep the records permanently under wraps, citing Marsy’s Law, which ensures that victims of crime have equal, constitutional rights on the same level as those accused and convicted of crimes.
Legal counsel for the victim issued a statement highlighting “our client’s desire to protect her privacy, particularly in light of Mr. Jacobs taking responsibility for his actions in the criminal proceeding.” The proposed order argued that public disclosure would threaten her privacy, dignity, personal security, emotional well-being, or ability to participate safety in the criminal-justice process.
Local media outlets filed public records requests for the video and police documents stemming from the May 23 incident at Jacobs’ residence in Hobart. Police previously denied records requests citing the court sealing the evidence, setting up a legal tug-of-war over transparency once the temporary order expires or is modified.
The Underlying Criminal Plea and Sentencing Terms
The legal friction stems from a court appearance where Jacobs pleaded no contest on Sept. 10 in Brown County Circuit Court to misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property charges.
Judge Hammer accepted the plea and ordered Jacobs to pay a $1,000 fine and court costs for the battery charge.
- Commit no further criminal acts.
- Avoid contacting the victim.
- Submit to CJS supervision for 12 months.
- Complete a course for battery.
- Pay restitution to the victim.
According to the criminal complaint, police relied on residential video footage that corroborates …the relevant portions…
of the victim’s statement. The document stated that as the woman attempted to exit the garage door to get outside, Jacobs grabbed her and threw her to the ground and she struck her head, suffering an injury.
NFL Investigation and Roster Status Complications
While the court handles procedural filings, the running back’s professional career remains on hold. Jacobs missed the Packers game in Minneapolis because he is placed on the NFL commissioner’s exempt list, barring him from practicing or playing with the team.
The league faces its own procedural hurdles in assessing discipline under the Personal Conduct Policy. As the league lacks subpoena power or the ability to compel witnesses, it relies heavily on securing access to court evidence like the residential video. Court restrictions on evidence sharing risk stymying internal league investigations when legal records are locked down.
What to Watch Next in Court and League Offices
The immediate flashpoint shifts to the courtroom next Thursday, when Judge Hammer will address a newly formatted order regarding the permanent sealing of evidence. That hearing shares a date with the Green Bay Packers’ home opener against the Atlanta Falcons.
Until the judge rules on the revised motion, the temporary protection order remains active, leaving the NFL waiting on access to the core evidence needed to finalize any potential suspension under league guidelines.