Head coach Matt LaFleur publicly reiterated his support for running back Josh Jacobs on Friday, saying he would defer to the league's investigation before commenting further.
Coach’s Response: Personal Support, Waiting on the League
“No. I know the guy, and I know the character of the guy,” Matt LaFleur said when asked about his view of Josh Jacobs following the player's court appearance. LaFleur added he would refrain from further comment until the NFL completes its investigation: “I’m not going to get into any of this until the league completes their investigation.”
The coach’s remarks, delivered at a press conference, came after Jacobs entered no-contest pleas to misdemeanor counts of battery and criminal damage to property in Brown County court.
Legal Outcome, NFL Status and Next Steps
Jacobs pleaded no contest and was convicted on the misdemeanor battery charge; he was fined $1,000. The sentence for the criminal damage to property count was suspended. At his hearing, Jacobs acknowledged the gravity of the situation and said, “I fully understand the seriousness of the situation, and I take full responsibility.” His attorneys issued a statement saying, “With this agreement, Josh has accepted responsibility for his conduct and resolved this matter.”
The charges stem from an alleged incident on May 23 with a woman at Jacobs’ home in Green Bay. The NFL placed Jacobs on the commissioner-exempt list after charges were filed on Aug. 27, and he has been barred from practicing or playing since the league placed him on the exempt list on Aug. 30.
Jacobs' plea resolved the court case: his attorneys said he accepted responsibility and he was fined $1,000 for the battery count while his sentence for the criminal damage charge was suspended. Jacobs has been barred from practicing or playing for Green Bay since the NFL placed him on the commissioner's exempt list on Aug. 30, and some reports project the league could remove him from the exempt list and issue a suspension. LaFleur has repeatedly said he will defer to that process before taking any further public position.
The situation creates a pause around Jacobs’ on-field availability until the NFL completes its internal review. LaFleur’s comments signaled continued personal support while making clear the organization will await the league’s determination before altering its stance publicly.
