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Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was found guilty of misdemeanor battery Thursday following a plea agreement related to an incident with his girlfriend in May.
Jacobs entered no contest pleas to charges of battery and criminal damage to property-both classified as misdemeanors-during his initial court appearance in Brown County, Wisconsin. The charges were filed last month.
Presiding Judge Marc Hammer convicted Jacobs of battery and imposed a $1,000 fine. Regarding the property damage charge, the court approved a deferred judgment arrangement. Under this agreement, Jacobs must avoid contact with the victim and complete a counseling or treatment program consistent with batterer intervention standards over the next 12 months.
Each charge carried the possibility of up to nine months in jail and a $10,000 fine.
Addressing the court, Jacobs acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, “I fully understand the seriousness of the situation and I take full responsibility.”
According to the criminal complaint, police responded to a disturbance at Jacobs’ Hobart residence on May 23. The victim reported that after discovering Jacobs communicating with other women, she threw his phone and gave him her phone to inspect.
A physical struggle ensued when she attempted to retrieve her phone. Later, as she tried to leave, Jacobs allegedly grabbed and threw her to the ground, causing her to hit her head.
Surveillance footage reportedly showed Jacobs damaging the victim’s phone during the incident.
At Thursday’s hearing, Jacobs confirmed the accuracy of the complaint’s account. He is scheduled to return to court in one year, when the property damage charge may be dismissed if he complies with the deferred judgment terms.
Judge Hammer emphasized the importance of accountability, stating, “The community has a right to satisfy itself that what you’re telling me today in the courtroom is exactly how you’re going to behave out in the community.”
Brown County District Attorney David Lasee explained that the case was not prosecuted as domestic violence because state law defines domestic violence within cohabiting relationships, which did not apply here. Nevertheless, he underscored the seriousness of violence in intimate relationships, pointing to elements of controlling behavior and the use of physical size leading to injury.
Lasee acknowledged Jacobs’ acceptance of responsibility and said the deferred judgment conditions aim to foster personal reflection and change. He recommended against jail time, deeming the $1,000 fine an adequate penalty.
“For someone in Mr. Jacobs’ position, the criminal conviction itself carries significant consequences,” Lasee remarked. “He will carry this conviction for misdemeanor battery for the rest of his life.”
Following the ruling, Jacobs’ defense attorney David Chesnoff expressed gratitude for what he called a “fair resolution” and issued an apology to the Packers organization, teammates, and fans.
The NFL had placed Jacobs on the commissioner’s exempt list after the charges were filed, barring him from team activities. A league spokesperson confirmed Thursday that his status remains unchanged as the matter continues under review through the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
The Packers are set to open their regular season Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis.