Josh Jacobs files civil suit to block release of his records from offseason arrest

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs is attempting to prevent the release of records from his offseason arrest. Jacobs filed a civil suit against the Hobart-Lawrence Police Department on Wednesday, requesting a permanent injunction, protective order, and restriction on access to records. He seeks to keep any evidence from his arrest, including surveillance footage, private.

The suit was filed shortly after Jacobs' arrest in May, when surveillance video of the alleged battery was reported to exist. Jacobs was placed on the commissioner's exempt list and has not played a game this season due to that designation. In September, he pleaded no contest to battery and criminal damage charges, allowing the NFL to decide on potential punishment.

The NFL had previously said they would wait for the legal process to conclude before determining any penalty. However, a judge denied the victim's request to seal all evidence, including the surveillance video. Jacobs' attorneys argue that releasing the evidence could identify the victim, even with redactions, and that the footage of his garage could be accessed by burglars.

If the evidence cannot be sealed permanently, the NFL could obtain the video, which may show Jacobs grabbing the victim and throwing her to the ground. This footage could significantly impact the NFL's decision on Jacobs' punishment. Given the video's importance, the NFL will likely wait until Jacobs' civil suit is resolved before deciding on the running back's future.