Jacobs accuser seeks permanent seal of evidence in criminal case

The legal fight around Josh Jacobs is now about what the public — and the league — gets to see. Attorneys for the Packers running back's former girlfriend filed a motion Tuesday to permanently seal the evidence and discovery materials in the criminal case, saying the request fits their client's wish to protect her privacy.

The stakes go beyond privacy. A permanent seal could keep the NFL from reviewing the surveillance video of the May 23 incident at Jacobs' home described in the complaint, footage the league is reportedly trying to obtain for its own investigation. Jacobs pleaded no contest last week to misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property, drawing a $1,000 fine on the battery count, a deferred-judgement agreement on the property count, plus no contact with the victim, restitution, counseling and a year of supervision. A judge had temporarily sealed the evidence after the plea. (ESPN)

Jacobs has been on the commissioner-exempt list since Aug. 30, barred from playing or practicing while the league investigates, and he could face suspension once that review closes — with exempt-list time counting toward any ban. If the seal becomes permanent, the NFL may have to rule without ever seeing the central piece of evidence. The same-day context in Green Bay only sharpens the focus: the Packers already reshaped their backfield once this summer, and every procedural turn in this case carries roster weight.

There are a lot of public eyes on this case, and pressure on Goodell over what his action will be if the league is unable to see the video. Could Jacobs be held on the exempt list until the video is produced?