Josh Jacobs case takes twist as accuser makes dramatic plea to court over video footage of alleged attack

The ex-girlfriend of NFL star Josh Jacobs has reportedly filed a motion to permanently seal evidence in the case involving the Green Bay Packers player.

Jacobs was accused of throwing his former partner to the ground in an altercation in May, and the Packers star last week pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property.

Jacobs is currently on the NFL commissioner exempt list - barring him from playing or practicing - and the league is also conducting its own investigation.

Should the motion to permanently seal evidence and discovery materials be granted, however, it could prevent the NFL from reviewing footage of the alleged incident. 

According to NFL Network and ESPN, the league has been trying to access the video for its review under the NFL's personal conduct policy. That investigation could lead to a suspension for Jacobs.

Attorneys for the woman - identified only as 'ANM' - told ESPN that the filing is 'consistent with our client's desire to protect her privacy, particularly in light of Mr. Jacobs taking responsibility for his actions in the criminal proceeding.' 

Evidence in the case was last week temporarily sealed by Brown County Circuit Judge Marc A. Hammer. Jacobs must pay a $1,000 fine as well as court costs for the charge of battery.

He is due back in court in one year, when the criminal damage to property charge could be dismissed so long as he adheres to the five conditions of his no-contest plea deal: No further criminal acts, no contact with the victim, supervision, counselling and restitution payments to the victim. 

'I fully understand the seriousness of the situation, and I take full responsibility,' Jacobs told the court.

The running back was arrested on May 26, accused of grabbing the woman and throwing her to the ground, causing her to hit her head. Jacobs was also accused of taking her phone.

Police said surveillance footage backed up the accusations and that the woman had redness on her face and neck, as well as a bump on the back of her head.

After Jacobs pleaded no contest, the NFL said in a statement: 'We have been closely monitoring all developments in the matter which remains under review of the personal conduct policy... there is no change to his status as he remains on the Commissioner’s Exempt List.'

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur came under fire over his response to Jacobs' no-contest plea. 'I know the guy,' he said. 'And I know the character of the guy. I've said it many times. And unfortunately, situations occur in life, and it's just an unfortunate situation.'