Judge orders temporary seal on video evidence in Josh Jacobs case
A judge has temporarily sealed the video of an altercation involving Packers running back Josh Jacobs, pending further motions, leaving the NFL without public access to the footage while disciplinary proceedings continue.
A Wisconsin judge has issued an order temporarily sealing the video evidence from an incident that led Packers running back Josh Jacobs to plead no contest to several misdemeanor charges. The sealing was requested by Jacobs rather than the prosecution or the alleged victim.
"The Court finds that public disclosure of the Discovery Material would threaten or substantially impair Defendant’s and [the victim’s] privacy, dignity, personal security, emotional wellbeing, or ability to participate safely in the criminal-justice process," the order states.
The order specifies that the protection does not impede any legitimate law-enforcement function or required legal disclosure, but aims to prevent unnecessary public dissemination of information that could identify the victim or reveal intimate details about either party. The seal will remain in effect pending a further motion that may be filed by the victim or the defendant.
The NFL has not yet indicated how it will proceed with disciplinary action under its Personal Conduct Policy, noting that Jacobs is currently on paid leave. The league faces a dilemma in assessing potential sanctions without access to the video, a situation reminiscent of past high-profile cases where released footage influenced public and league responses.