Packers running back Josh Jacobs, in his first public comments since his May arrest following an incident with a woman at his home, admitted Wednesday that he made a mistake. His voice quivering, he said he is remorseful and sorry for putting the team in this situation. He said a split-second decision had altered his life, but that he is still trying to learn and grow from the process.
Jacobs had been on the NFL commissioner exempt list since the start of the regular season, meaning he could not practice or play in the first six games. The league removed him from the list Monday, although its investigation into violations of the personal conduct policy remains active. The six games he has missed will be credited toward any suspension that could be forthcoming, and he is cleared to play Sunday against the Detroit Lions. "I think six games was a lot, honestly, but that's not really up to me to decide," Jacobs said. "I'm grateful to be playing."
Jacobs pleaded no contest Sept. 10 to charges of battery and criminal destruction of property stemming from the May 23 incident near Green Bay. He was convicted of battery and fined $1,000 and reached a deferred judgment agreement on a charge of damage to property. Surveillance video from his garage remains part of the reason the NFL has not closed its investigation, and both Jacobs and the woman have filed suit to have the evidence sealed.
Jacobs said the episode gave him a chance to reevaluate what matters in his life and the support he received from people he did not expect. Coach Matt La Fleur said he believes Jacobs is a good person and that he believes in second chances.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing