Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs has filed a lawsuit against the Hobart-Lawrence Police Department to permanently seal evidence in his battery case. The legal action seeks to prevent the release of video footage showing Jacobs throwing an ex-girlfriend to the ground and damaging her phone during a May 23 incident. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the NFL is currently attempting to obtain this video as part of its own investigation.
In his complaint, Jacobs argues that public disclosure of materials such as descriptions, images, audio recordings, and video could threaten the woman’s privacy, dignity, safety, and emotional well-being. He contends that releasing the footage would reveal details of his garage’s interior, including access points and security arrangements. The complaint states that because public sports figures have recently been targeted for robberies and other property crimes, widespread dissemination of these details would materially increase Jacobs’ vulnerability to theft, burglary, or other targeted criminal conduct. It notes that the public availability of his schedule or travel information allows individuals to identify periods when he is away from home.
Jacobs previously pleaded no contest to battery and criminal damage to property, both of which were classified as misdemeanors arising from the May 23 incident. As part of the resolution, he was ordered to have no contact with the woman involved, pay restitution, attend counseling, and undergo one year of supervision. Lawyers representing the woman also filed a motion last month asking that the evidence be sealed. The video has not yet been released.
Jacobs remains on the NFL’s Commissioner’s Exempt List, a status that allows him to play while the league reviews the matter under its personal conduct policy. There is no timeline for a decision on his case. Under the league's policy, time spent on the exempt list counts toward a potential suspension. The baseline suspension for a first-time domestic violence offense is six games without pay, though this figure can increase based on factors such as the involvement of a weapon or repeated striking. OutKick's Scott Thompson and The Associated Press contributed to this report.