Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs has missed the first six games of the season while on the NFL’s commissioner exempt list following his arrest in May. Now that he has been cleared to return, he’s finally speaking out about it.
On Wednesday, Jacobs addressed the incident publicly for the first time, saying that he is “remorseful” and admitting that he made a mistake. But he also said that he thought six games was “a lot,” and that he isn’t “trying to win nobody back.”
Jacobs’ Arrest
Jacobs was arrested following a May 23 incident with a woman at his home near Green Bay. He pleaded no contest on Sept. 10 to charges of battery and criminal destruction of property, and he was convicted of battery and fined $1,000, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. He also reached a deferred judgment agreement on the property damage charge.
Jacobs was placed on the commissioner exempt list at the start of the regular season, which meant that he could not practice or play. The league removed him from the list on Monday, though its investigation into whether he violated the personal conduct policy remains open.
Part of the reason that the investigation is still active is the existence of surveillance video from Jacobs’ garage, where part of the incident took place. Both Jacobs and the woman have filed suit to have that evidence permanently sealed.
The six games that Jacobs has missed will be credited toward any suspension that he receives. But for now, he’s cleared to play on Sunday against the Detroit Lions.
‘I’m Remorseful and Sorry’
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Jacobs addressed the incident publicly for the first time as he said that he regretted the incident.
“I’m remorseful and sorry for putting this team in this situation,” Jacobs said. “Sometimes when you go through life, situations occur and a four-second, three-second decision can alter your life, honestly. But with that being said, still a human being, man, still trying to learn, still trying to grow from the whole process.”
“I know for some people this might be a stain on me and my character. I feel like I don’t have to really speak on my character,” he continued. “But for me, man, I’m just trying to come back in here and play ball, learn from this mistake and move forward.”
Jacobs went as far as to say that the situation was “probably one of the best things to ever happen to me,” because it forced him to “reevaluate what’s important.” And he made it clear that he isn’t worried about whether people outside the organization support him.
“I’m not trying to win nobody back,” Jacobs said. “And that’s just me being all the way honest, because at the end of the day, like I said, I know what happened, and if you feel some type of way, obviously I feel bad because it’s still a situation occurred and it should’ve never even happened.”
Jacobs also admitted that he didn’t expect to miss as much time as he did.
“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, so that’s not even something that I’m like arguing or petitioning with. I’m just happy to be back on the team.”
Packers Stand By Jacobs
The Packers have stood behind Jacobs throughout the process, allowing him to take part in the entire offseason program and training camp.
“I think people learn from their mistakes, and I think he’s extremely remorseful and I do believe that he’s a good person,” head coach Matt LaFleur said. “I’ve been around him quite a bit and I just, I believe in second chances.”
Green Bay has certainly missed him on the field. The Packers rank last in the NFL with just 59.8 rushing yards per game, after Jacobs racked up 2,258 rushing yards and 28 rushing touchdowns over the previous two seasons.
Clearly, the Packers are eager to get Jacobs back on the field. But with the league’s investigation still open, his situation may not be completely resolved just yet.
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