Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs filed a lawsuit against the Hobart-Lawrence Police Department, seeking to have evidence in his battery case permanently sealed.
According to the criminal complaint, Jacobs was accused of throwing his ex-girlfriend onto the ground and damaging her phone, and video would show the portion that occurred in the garage. The NFL is attempting to obtain the video as part of its own investigation, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Jacobs’ complaint says the police should be prohibited from publicly releasing “descriptions, images, audio recordings, video recordings, statements, communications, or other materials” whose disclosure might threaten the woman’s “privacy, dignity, safety, emotional well-being, or ability to obtain closure.”
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The complaint also notes that public sports figures have recently been targeted for robberies and other related property crimes, and that releasing the video would reveal details of the garage’s interior that might put Jacobs at risk.
“The public availability of (Jacobs’) schedule or travel information increases the risk that persons could identify periods when (Jacobs) is away from home and use released information concerning the residence, garage, access points, security arrangements, or property to target the property,” the complaint says. “Widespread public dissemination of those details would materially increase (Jacobs’) vulnerability to theft, burglary, robbery, trespass, or other targeted criminal conduct.”
Jacobs pleaded no contest to battery and criminal damage to property from the May 23 incident, which were both misdemeanors. Jacobs was also ordered to have no contact with the woman involved, pay restitution, attend counseling and be under supervision for one year.
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That video hasn’t been released, and lawyers representing the woman filed a motion last month asking that the evidence be sealed.
The veteran running back remains on the Commissioner’s Exempt List, though time spent there would count toward a suspension. The matter remains under review by the league’s personal conduct policy and there’s no timeline for a decision.
The NFL’s baseline suspension for a first-time domestic violence offense is six games without pay as part of its conduct policy. The suspension could increase depending on factors including the involvement of a weapon, repeated striking and more.
OutKick’s Scott Thompson and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
