Last week, the judge overseeing Packers running back Josh Jacobs’ case temporarily rejected a motion to seal evidence. Today’s court hearing has resulted in the same outcome.
Judge Marc Hammer denied the request to have records and evidence permanently sealed, as noted by ESPN’s Rob Demovsky. The victim in this case had requested the seal, but evidence will now be handled by the Hobart/Lawrence Police Department. The department will decide to grant access to records moving forward, with both Jacobs and the victim permitted time to “appear” in the event records are made available upon request to interested parties.
Today’s news is particularly important as it pertains to the NFL’s investigation into Jacobs. The three-time Pro Bowler was moved to the commissioner’s exempt list shortly before roster cuts last month. Jacobs is not permitted to practice or play for Green Bay while he remains on the list, which essentially amounts to paid leave. Any potential suspension handed down following the league’s investigation would see his time on the list count toward the total number of games.
NFL investigations often wait until the legal process runs its course, and that was true in Jacobs’ case. The 28-year-old entered a plea of no contest to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property earlier this month. That brought about an end to his criminal case, although it did not immediately lead to clarity regarding the timeline for NFL discipline. With access to evidence – including a video showing the incident between Jacobs and the woman identified as “ANM” – blocked until now, the league was unable to conduct at least some of its investigation.
That could change, with evidence now potentially being available through the police. Past cases have made it clear that criminal convictions are not necessary for fines and/or suspensions to be levied under the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Today’s ruling could help accelerate the timing for a decision on the Jacobs front.
Green Bay has begun the year with a shorthanded backfield. Tonight’s game will be the team’s third without Jacobs in the fold, and it remains to be seen when he will next be eligible to play. A path for key evidence being visible to the league while disciplinary options are weighed now exists, though.
