Josh Jacobs pleads no contest to two misdemeanor charges
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs pleaded no contest to misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property in a Brown County courtroom.
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs appeared in Brown County Court on Thursday, Sept. 10, where he entered no-contest pleas to a pair of misdemeanor charges. The court appearance, initially scheduled for November, was moved up as part of a legal resolution stemming from an arrest in Brown County, Wisconsin, on May 26 following an incident on May 23. TMJ4 was present in the courtroom as the running back faced charges of battery and criminal damage to property.
Legal Specifics and Terms of the Plea Deal
Under the terms accepted by the court, Jacobs was found guilty of misdemeanor battery and ordered to pay a fine plus costs. For the second charge of criminal damage to property, the court accepted a deferred judgement agreement. To secure the eventual dismissal of the property damage charge, Jacobs must adhere to a 12-month set of conditions.
| Charge | Legal Outcome | Conditions / Financial Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Misdemeanor Battery | Guilty (No Contest Plea) | $1,000 fine plus costs |
| Criminal Damage to Property | Deferred Judgement Agreement (12 Months) | No further criminal acts, no contact with the victim, counseling, supervision, and restitution pay |
A $10,000 signature bond was established on the condition that the player complies with all terms and maintains no contact with the victim. The agreement allows Jacobs to avoid jail time. Attorneys representing Jacobs noted that the investigation enabled all parties to negotiate a resolution prior to the hearing, and confirmed that Jacobs has already voluntarily begun counseling.
I fully understand the seriousness of the situation and I take full responsibility,
Jacobs told the court during the hearing.
Brown County District Attorney David Lasee addressed the nature of the charges during the proceedings, explaining to the court why the case was not classified under domestic violence statutes.
"This case was not charged as a domestic violence case because statutorily it does not meet the criteria under Wisconsin’s domestic violence laws. That requires that a person be involved in a domestic relationship. Mr. Jacobs and the crime victim in this case were never married, did not live together, did not have children in common. Therefore, this case is not a domestic violence case as that term is defined in the state of Wisconsin."
David Lasee, District Attorney, via USA Today
Police Investigation and Background
According to police records, Hobart-Lawrence police officers went to Jacobs's home on May 23 to investigate a disturbance after his girlfriend reported having a lump on her head. The woman told police she had looked through Jacobs's phone, saw he was communicating with other women, and threw the phone without breaking it. Police stated the woman tried to retrieve her phone from Jacobs, leading to a physical struggle. Surveillance footage from the garage camera system backed up the woman's statement to law enforcement regarding the altercation.
Jacobs's defense attorneys issued a statement following the hearing that highlighted his historical community work and charitable endeavors throughout his career, pointing to initiatives assisting homeless youth, military families, and individuals with physical disabilities.
NFL Status and Financial Impact
The National Football League placed Jacobs on the commissioner’s exempt list on August 30, three days after the district attorney announced the charges. While on the list, Jacobs is ineligible to play, practice, or attend games, though he continues to receive a paycheck. Upon request and with club permission, players on the list may access the facility for meetings, individual workouts, and rehabilitation.
Head coach Matt LaFleur and the Packers have supported the running back throughout the legal proceedings, while general manager Brian Gutekunst noted earlier in the week that the team had not viewed the surveillance footage and would let the process play out. The Packers open their season against the Minnesota Vikings.
Next Steps
With the legal matter resolved through the no-contest plea, the NFL's independent investigation can proceed toward potential disciplinary action, including a possible suspension. Any games missed while on the commissioner's exempt list would count toward a suspension, though the player would be required to repay earnings received during that period. Additionally, the Brown County Court scheduled a review hearing for Sept. 10, 2027, to monitor compliance with the 12-month deferred judgement conditions.
