A week after the judge in the criminal case involving Packers running back Josh Jacobs signed an order temporarily sealing the evidence, including a video of the altercation that led to a misdemeanor battery charge, the judge has declined to sign an order that would have sealed the evidence permanently.
According to Fox 11, the judge rejected the proposed order on procedural grounds, saying it was in an “improper format.”
A hearing on the matter is set for next Thursday. At that point, the judge could decide whether to grant the victim’s lawyer’s request to permanently seal the evidence.
The NFL wants to see the video as part of its effort to determine the appropriate discipline for Jacobs under the Personal Conduct Policy. The league’s inability to access the video highlights the flaws in its in-house justice system.
The NFL does not have the power that a court has. It cannot compel witnesses to cooperate. It cannot subpoena records. It may be blocked by a court order from accessing important evidence.
The league should still try to secure the ability to review the video, subject to a protective order. It is possible to balance the victim’s privacy rights with the NFL’s desire to accurately assess a proper penalty for Jacobs.
Jacobs remains on paid leave while the NFL considers what suspension to impose.
Source: www.nbcsports.com — Read the original article
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