NFL, media seek access to sealed video in Josh Jacobs battery case

In a sealed case involving Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs, evidence surrounding a misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property charge is currently inaccessible to the public. Jacobs entered a no contest plea on September 10 in Brown County Circuit Court, stemming from an incident that occurred on May 23 in Hobart.

Judge Marc Hammer accepted the plea and imposed a $1,000 fine, court costs, and additional stipulations including no contact with the victim, restitution payment, counseling, and a year-long supervision order.

The sealed case record was requested to be sealed by Jacobs' attorney, Clarence Duchac III, on the same day as the plea. The evidence within the sealed case includes security camera footage purported to support the victim's account of the altercation, which allegedly involved Jacobs damaging the victim's phone. Judge Hammer deemed it necessary to protect the privacy, dignity, and safety of both the victim and Jacobs, justifying the sealing of sensitive information.

The NFL and various media outlets are striving to gain access to the sealed video evidence in order to make a decision on the appropriate suspension length for Jacobs. Currently, Jacobs is on the commissioner's exempt list, which prevents him from participating in any practices or games with the team. NFL Network/ESPN reporter Ian Rapoport stated on September 13 that the league intends to interview Jacobs, and is also attempting various legal means to obtain the restricted video footage.

Meanwhile, the Press-Gazette and other media entities have filed open records requests for the video and other relevant documents. Typically, such records become publicly available following the conclusion of a trial. For further information, readers can contact Richard Ryman at rryman@usatodayco.com, follow him on X at @RichRymanPG, and Instagram at @rrymanPG.