The Green Bay Packers expect running back Josh Jacobs to remain with the team while the NFL continues its investigation, despite newly disclosed allegations that he physically and verbally abused multiple women years before the incident that resulted in his arrest in May.
Coach Matt LaFleur said Monday that Green Bay would let the league complete its process and that he anticipated Jacobs remaining a member of the Packers. The team learned of the earlier allegations only after police records became public last week. According to those records, three women came forward following Jacobs' arrest earlier this year.
The Hobart/Lawrence Police Department in Wisconsin released the records Friday concerning Jacobs' May 23 arrest after an incident involving a woman at his home near Green Bay. In a statement Sunday, his attorneys described the earlier claims as “unsupported and stale allegations.”
Jacobs entered no contest pleas to two misdemeanor charges in September. He was convicted of battery and received a $1,000 fine. On the property damage charge, he agreed to a deferred judgment agreement.
Green Bay has maintained its support for Jacobs throughout the case. He returned to action in Week 7 after being removed from the NFL's commissioner exempt list and has appeared in the Packers' past two games. The league's investigation remains open, and the six games he spent on the exempt list would be credited toward any suspension. Asked Monday to explain the team's continued backing, LaFleur declined to elaborate and reiterated that the process should run its course.
LaFleur also confirmed that he had spoken with Jacobs about a touchdown celebration during Thursday night's game against the Carolina Panthers. Jacobs placed his hands behind his back during the celebration. Afterward, he said the gesture referred to the gospel song “Break Every Chain” and was unrelated to his legal case.
The coach said he did not become aware of the celebration until he watched the game tape. While acknowledging Jacobs' explanation and confirming their discussion, LaFleur declined to share what they said to each other.
Jacobs' return has yet to improve Green Bay's standing as the NFL's lowest-ranked rushing offense. Across his two games back, he has carried the ball 32 times for 75 yards and one touchdown. He has also caught 11 passes for 68 yards and two touchdowns.
