Packers coach Matt LaFleur defends Josh Jacobs after star convicted of battering woman

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur defended Josh Jacobs on Friday, just one day after the star running back was convicted of battering a woman.

LaFleur told reporters during a press conference that his feelings on his star player had not changed despite the three-time Pro Bowler’s no contest pleas to misdemeanor counts of battery and criminal damage to property on Thursday.

When asked why, LaFleur said, “I know the guy. And I know the character of the guy. I’ve said it many times. And unfortunately situations occur in life, and it’s just an unfortunate situation.”

Jacobs was hit with the criminal charges on Aug. 27, after authorities alleged they obtained video that showed him putting his hands on his girlfriend during a heated dispute at his Brown County, Wis. home in May.

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur talks after a preseason NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, in Green Bay, Wis. AP Photo/Matt Ludtke
Packers running back Josh Jacobs is pictured in a mugshot photo following his arrest on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in Wisconsin. Jacobs was arrested on a slew of charges, including domestic abuse.

Investigators alleged in a criminal complaint that Jacobs grabbed the woman and “threw her to the ground,” causing her injury. They also claimed in the filing that Jacobs was seen on video taking the woman’s phone during the spat and appearing to damage it.

When a judge asked Jacobs during the announcement of the football player’s plea deal on Thursday if “the information contained in the probable cause section of the criminal complaint” was “true and correct,” Jacobs responded, “yes.”

Given Jacobs’ admission, LaFleur was asked for his rationale behind keeping Jacobs on the Packers’ roster, but he bristled.

“Guys,” LaFleur said. “I’m not going to get into any of this until the league completes their investigation.”

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.

At Thursday’s court proceedings, Jacobs stated he stated he understood “the seriousness of the situation” and was taking “full responsibility” for his actions.

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs, right, appears in a Brown County courtroom with his attorney Clarence Duchac III on Thursday, September 10, 2026, in Green Bay, Wis. He pleaded no contest to misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property charges after an incident in May. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Jacobs was ultimately sentenced to a fine of $1,000 plus costs for the battery count, and his sentence for the criminal damage to property count was suspended.

“With this agreement, Josh has accepted responsibility for his conduct and resolved this matter,” Jacobs’ attorneys said in a statement following the announcement of his plea deal. “Today’s resolution is set against a career long history of Josh’s community work while in the NFL, which has centered on the circumstances of his early life.”

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *