The Green Bay Packers are facing uncertainty as running back Josh Jacobs practices with the team despite an ongoing domestic abuse investigation by the Brown County district attorney's office.
General manager Brian Gutekunst said Jacobs will practice on the opening day of training camp, two months after his May 26 arrest on suspicion of domestic abuse. He was released one day later without being charged. "Really nothing's changed," Gutekunst said. "Those things are legal matters, and they'll be out of our hands. But he'll be out there, and we look forward to him being out there."
Jacobs, who vehemently denied accusations through his attorney, practiced through the Packers' spring program and will remain on the field in camp. Gutekunst said he does not anticipate hearing from the league's disciplinary branch until the legal situation resolves. "It's really out of our hands right now," Gutekunst said. "It's kind of a legal thing, and until that stuff transpires I'm not sure the league will get really involved with it."
The Packers' decision to allow Jacobs to practice comes as the Brown County District Attorney's office continues to investigate the incident. When contacted last week, District Attorney David Lasee had nothing new to report on the investigation.
Jacobs' availability for the upcoming season remains uncertain, but for now, he will continue to practice with the team. The Packers will have to wait for the legal situation to resolve before making any further decisions about his status.
Gutekunst's comments suggest that the team is taking a cautious approach, waiting for the legal process to unfold before making any decisions about Jacobs' future with the team. The Packers will likely continue to monitor the situation and make a decision about Jacobs' availability once the investigation is resolved.
The NFL has faced criticism in the past for its handling of domestic abuse cases, and the Packers' decision to allow Jacobs to practice while the investigation continues may raise questions about the team's priorities. However, for now, the Packers are choosing to focus on the legal process and allow Jacobs to continue practicing with the team.
Source: Yahoo Sports