The Real Reason Police Haven’t Released The Controversial Video Involving Packers Star Josh Jacobs
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
Green Bay Packers star Josh Jacobs is currently sidelined as he deals with the fallout from an ongoing domestic violence case. The whole situation traces back to 2023. That is when a heated argument with his ex-girlfriend at his Wisconsin home turned physical. Police stepped in and arrested the running back after the dispute left the victim with a head injury and a smashed phone.
Following the arrest, prosecutors moved forward with misdemeanor charges for battery and criminal property damage. Last month, however, Jacobs finally put the criminal side of the ordeal behind him by entering a no-contest plea. A Brown County judge handed down a $1,000 fine and ordered him to complete a year-long deferred judgment program.
Unfortunately, Jacobs remains on the NFL’s Commissioner’s Exempt List while the league investigates a domestic incident and reviews key video evidence. It does not appear they will be getting that video anytime soon.
Josh Jacobs’ Ex-Girlfriend Wanted Evidence Sealed as Judge Denies it
Attorneys representing the ex-girlfriend of Jacobs filed a motion to seal evidence. The unidentified victim requested a permanent seal, citing a strong desire to protect her personal privacy.
Furthermore, they noted that Josh Jacobs had already taken full legal responsibility for his actions in the case. Unfortunately, Brown County Circuit Court Judge Marc Hammer officially denied the request.
Instead, the judge lifted his initial temporary order and turned control over to the investigating police force.
Jacobs Video Held Pending Court Action
A new development has come from the Josh Jacobs case. The judge presiding over the criminal case lifted a temporary court order sealing the evidence. However, he concluded that the Hobart-Lawrence Police Department had the discretion “to apply a balancing test between the rights of the public, the defendant, and the victim in deciding whether to release the records.”
In the latest update, Hobart-Lawrence police chief Michael Renkas explained why they are holding onto the video. He determined they could release some records with “appropriate redactions.” However, they must wait because lawyers intend to seek a new court order to block the disclosure.
“Accordingly, the Department is temporarily withholding all responsive records in accordance with the statutory waiting period and any applicable court orders,” Renkas wrote. “This temporary hold does not constitute a denial of your request or a reversal of the Department’s balancing-test determination.”
Jacobs has not played a snap this season as the NFL hopes to get its hands on the video.
