Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has faced intense criticism from fans after describing Josh Jacobs' return to practice as 'business as usual,' despite the running back's recent arrest on five domestic violence charges.
Jacobs, 28, turned himself in to police in Wisconsin last Tuesday on charges including battery-domestic abuse, criminal damage to property-domestic abuse, disorderly conduct-domestic abuse, strangulation and suffocation, and intimidation of a victim. He was released from Brown County Jail less than 24 hours later after authorities concluded they were 'not prepared to make a formal charging decision' based on current evidence. An investigation remains ongoing.
Despite the probe, Jacobs was permitted to return to practice on Tuesday, exactly one week after his brief incarceration. When asked about Jacobs' return, LaFleur stated it was 'business as usual' for the three-time Pro Bowler, drawing swift backlash from fans on social media.
One fan wrote on X: 'Absolutely disgusting this low life is allowed to practice Greenbay should be ashamed of themselves.' Another commented: 'That is a very weird way to put this situation…. “Business as usual.” Really??' A third posted: 'I’m a Packer fan and this doesn’t seem right. And then for the coach to call it business as usual. Really bad form.' Others expressed similar outrage, with one saying, 'Wow this team is disgusting.'
Despite the controversy, Jacobs began his offseason workout schedule on Tuesday ahead of next week's mandatory minicamp. Quarterback Jordan Love acknowledged the situation, saying they have 'talked internally' about Jacobs' off-field issues. 'You know everyone knows what the situation is there,' Love added. 'But obviously the details are… everyone is keeping the details under wraps right now out of respect for the situation and all the legal stuff that will be playing out, but it’s great to have Josh here with us and get back to work.'
Earlier this week, Milwaukee's TMJ4 News released 911 calls from the alleged domestic dispute, describing a chaotic scene at Jacobs' Wisconsin home. Dispatchers reported hearing 'yelling and screaming' and 'things being thrown,' with an open line possibly involving a male and female. A neighbor's follow-up call added urgency, stating that the neighbor had been assaulted. Jacobs allegedly drove away in his Mercedes G Wagon but was tracked via license-plate monitors. Deputies and an ambulance arrived at Jacobs' home to meet the unidentified victim, and Jacobs later turned himself in.
