Matt LaFleur didn’t move an inch after Josh Jacobs’ court case, and that was enough to set off a wave of criticism.
One day after Jacobs pleaded no contest, the Packers coach was asked whether that changed how he views the running back. LaFleur said it did not.
“Well, yeah, because I know the guy, and I know the character of the guy, so I’ve said it many times.”
“And unfortunately, situations occur in life and it’s just an unfortunate situation.”
When reporters pressed further, LaFleur shut it down and pointed to the league’s process.
“Guys, I’m not getting into any of this until the league completes their investigation.”
Jacobs pleaded no contest Thursday to misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property. The case stemmed from a May call to his home.
Police initially booked him on a felony charge, then prosecutors later filed two Class A misdemeanors. Jacobs received a $1,000 fine and a deferred deal on the property count.
He remains on the Commissioner’s Exempt List, and Green Bay still has him on the roster. He cannot practice or play until the NFL finishes its review.
LaFleur had already said in August that he fully expected Jacobs to stay with the Packers, and he did not revisit that position on Friday. He also did not explain why a guilty finding still leaves the back on the team.
The response online was immediate and sharp.
Zach Kruse of Packers Wire wrote, “That’s the public statement from the head coach? Pretty weak.”
Jacob Infante of Pro Football Network said, “What a cowardly stance from Matt LaFleur to take on the issue.”
Others piled on as well.
“This is genuinely pathetic. From the entire organization,” someone wrote. “The fact he’s even still on the team is an embarrassment and his head coach is openly defending his character”
“Pretty unfortunate for the victim,” one comment read. “Yes. It’s sad what has become acceptable based on winning at all costs.”
“Oh yeah situations where one beats a woman just totally happen,” another wrote. “Jacobs is a top notch individual”
The criticism came with a familiar refrain for fans who had already bristled at the “business as usual” line during OTAs. Friday’s comments, to them, sounded like the same message with a different date attached.
Jacobs said yes when the judge asked if the complaint facts were true. LaFleur still described the whole thing as unfortunate. That disconnect is what put the coach in the crosshairs.
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