Wisconsin Police Delay Release of Video Related to Josh Jacobs Battery Case
Police in Wisconsin are holding back video evidence from the incident that led to Packers running back Josh Jacobs' guilty plea to battery, pending further court action, which may affect his return to the NFL.
Packers running back Josh Jacobs remains on paid leave as the NFL has not yet received the video evidence from the incident that resulted in his guilty plea to battery. Wisconsin police are postponing the release of the footage to both the league and the media, citing ongoing legal proceedings.
In an October 13 letter to USA Today, Hobart-Lawrence Police Chief Michael Renkas said the department can release some records with appropriate redactions but must wait because the case’s attorneys are expected to seek a new court order blocking disclosure. > "Accordingly, the Department is temporarily withholding all responsive records in accordance with the statutory waiting period and any applicable court orders," Renkas wrote. > "This temporary hold does not constitute a denial of your request or a reversal of the Department’s balancing-test determination."
A judge recently lifted a temporary order that had sealed the evidence, noting that the police have discretion to balance the rights of the public, the defendant, and the victim when deciding on release. Some league observers suggest Jacobs could return from leave once the missed games are counted toward a suspension, but the NFL is unlikely to clear him to play until it reviews the video.
The league’s cautious approach follows past controversies involving video evidence, prompting officials to ensure they have full documentation before making disciplinary decisions.