Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs walked free from police custody Wednesday after being detained on multiple domestic violence allegations.
Prosecutors have not filed formal charges against the 28-year-old player. The Brown County District Attorney’s Office in Wisconsin explained there’s a difference between what’s needed for an arrest versus filing charges. While “probable cause” justifies an arrest, proving guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt” is required for criminal charges.
“After reviewing the available evidence in this case, the Brown County District Attorney’s Office is not yet prepared to make a formal charging decision,” District Attorney David L. Lasee said in a statement. “Our office has requested additional investigation, as there is reason to believe that additional evidence may exist that would impact whether criminal charges are appropriate.”
The Hobart-Lawrence Police Department in Wisconsin took Jacobs into custody Tuesday on allegations including battery (domestic abuse, criminal damage to property), domestic abuse, disorderly conduct (domestic abuse, strangulation and suffocation) and intimidation of a victim.
According to Brown County jail records, the strangulation and suffocation allegation carries felony status, while the remaining charges are classified as misdemeanors.
Jacobs’ legal team issued a statement Wednesday defending their client.
“We are extremely pleased that Josh has been released from custody and that no criminal charges have been filed against him,” a statement from David Z. Chesnoff, Richard A. Schonfeld and Clarence Duchac read. “As we previously stated, we encourage everyone to keep an open mind while the matter is fully reviewed. We remain confident that, once all of the evidence is gathered and evaluated, it will confirm that no charges should be brought against Josh in the future.”
When reporters asked Packers head coach Matt LaFleur about Jacobs during Wednesday’s organized team activities, he declined to elaborate.
“I’m going to stick with the statement we put out as an organization and just let the process play out,” he said.
Currently in his third year with Green Bay after inking a four-year, $48 million contract in 2024, Jacobs has earned Pro Bowl honors three times (2020, 2022, 2024) and first-team All Pro recognition in 2022, when he topped the NFL in rushing yards while playing for the Las Vegas Raiders.
Throughout his seven-year NFL career, Jacobs has accumulated 7,803 rushing yards on 1,840 carries with 74 touchdowns.
