The NFL is attempting to view video evidence of the allegedly violent incident involving Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs before determining a suspension, according to reporting from Ian Rapoport of NFL Network on Sunday morning.
Jacobs pled no contest to two misdemeanor charges last week, including battery. He remains on the Commissioner's Exempt List as the NFL continues its own investigation, which the league is hoping will include a review of the video described in the criminal complaint.
"My understanding is the NFL wants to interview Josh Jacobs. That will happen," Rapoport said. "They are also trying all sorts of legal maneuvers to try and get the video of the incident that has since been barred by the court. So we'll see if the NFL is able
to do that before suspending him."
Jacobs will miss Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings while still on the exempt list. How long he is suspended moving forward could hinge on whether the league can see video of the incident, but there are legal hurdles ahead for the NFL.
According to James Stratton of WISN, Judge Marc Hammer signed an order temporarily sealing evidence in the case after a motion was filed by Jacobs' attorneys. All discovery materials, including the video evidence, are now sealed under court order.
Per the criminal complaint, the video is from a garage surveillance camera at Jacobs' home. It was recovered by investigators and described in the charging document as showing at least part of the criminal incident.
The standard suspension for any domestic violence-related violation of the league's conduct policy is six games.
The question becomes: Will the NFL compel Jacobs to allow access to the video during the investigation, or will not having legal access to the video lessen the NFL's ability to suspend Jacobs to the full extent? The video availability is now the crux of the process moving forward for Jacobs and the NFL.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: NFL attempting to see Josh Jacobs incident video before suspension ruling
