Latest intel on Josh Jacobs’ potential suspension gives Packers clearer timeline for how long they may be without star running back
ESPN report indicates that the Pro Bowler is expected to be suspended sooner rather than later by the NFL.
The Green Bay Packers now have a better idea of what Josh Jacobs’ absence may look like. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Wednesday that the Packers running back could face a four-to-six-game suspension from the NFL stemming from his misdemeanor case for battery and criminal damage to property. Jacobs has been on the NFL Commissioner’s Exempt List since Aug. 30, and the league’s decision could come without the league obtaining the video evidence in the case.
“The NFL’s investigation is ongoing, but there could be a suspension sooner rather than later. Jacobs remains on the commissioner exempt list. A four-to-six-game suspension could be the range based on a few people I’ve talked to in the league, but that’s obviously fluid and based on the league’s findings.” — Jeremy Fowler.
The videotape of the incident with Jacobs’ ex-girlfriend went through a new development this week. Beyond Jacobs’ own attempt to permanently seal the video evidence, his ex-girlfriend’s attorneys also motioned for evidence in the criminal case to be permanently sealed. That combination makes it theoretically much harder for the NFL to access the video evidence of the incident.
The situation is trending toward the NFL making a decision on Jacobs’ suspension before or even without having access to the video.
Financial impact for the Packers
While Jacobs sits on the Commissioner’s Exempt List, he cannot practice or play but still receives his full salary. However, if the NFL suspends him, the games he already missed on the exempt list will count toward that suspension range.
So if Jacobs receives a four-game suspension, for instance, he would miss only three more games because he already missed the Week 1 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Green Bay would also get credited back the amount of money relative to the proration of his base salary, roughly $566,000 per game.
Jacobs’ legal resolution in Brown County
Jacobs has since resolved his legal situation. He pleaded no contest to misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property in Brown County Court on Sept. 10. The plea means Jacobs agreed to resolve the criminal case without fighting the charges, even though he did not formally admit guilt.
On the criminal damage to property charge, the court accepted Jacobs’ no contest plea on five conditions: no further criminal acts, no contact with the victim, supervision, counseling, and paying restitution to the victim. Jacobs was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine plus costs on the battery charge, and a deferred judgment agreement was accepted.
Jacobs’ attorney said the running back has already voluntarily begun counseling. Jacobs made a statement in court saying he fully understands the seriousness of the situation and takes full responsibility.
The charges stemmed from Jacobs’ arrest in Wisconsin on May 26, with the incident involving his ex-girlfriend occurring on May 23.
