Packers' Josh Jacobs defends touchdown celebration after domestic violence arrest

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 30 Oct, 18:20 · Archive

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs defended a touchdown celebration in which he held his hands behind his back, saying it referenced a gospel song rather than his recent domestic violence arrest.

Josh Jacobs scored a one-yard touchdown in the second quarter of the Packers' 27-19 victory over Carolina on Thursday, his second game of the season after coming off the commissioner's exempt list. As he celebrated, he placed his hands behind his back for a moment while accepting congratulations from teammates. The gesture generated significant attention on social media, with many interpreting it as simulating handcuffs.

After the game, Jacobs said the celebration was inspired by the gospel song 'Break Every Chain' and was part of a planned sequence with teammate Savion Williams designed to thank God after his first touchdown. 'The guys did it with me,' Jacobs said. 'I didn't think it was going to be a thing that can be perceived a certain type of way.' He added that the broadcast did not capture the full celebration.

Jacobs had been placed on the commissioner's exempt list after charges were filed in August stemming from a May altercation with his then-girlfriend. He pleaded no contest last month to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property.

How it is being reported

• Josh Jacobs denies making a mockery of his domestic violence arrest with handcuffs celebration as disgraced Packers star claims it had religious meaningJosh Jacobs caused outrage with his celebration on Thursday Night Football before the Green Bay Packers star offered an explanation after the game.Daily Mail Sport · 30 Oct, 12:25
• Packers’ Josh Jacobs says hands-behind-back TD celebration was not mocking recent arrestGreen Bay RB claims gesture was an ode to gospel song Jacobs pleaded no contest to battery charges last month Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs says he was paying homage to a gospel song rather than making light of his recent arrest when he briefly had his hands behind his back while celebrating a touchdown Thursday night. This was Jacobs’s second game of the season after coming off the commissioner’s exempt list. He was placed on that list after charges were filed against him in August stemming from a May altercation with his then-girlfriend during which she said he threw her to…Guardian Sport · 30 Oct, 12:22
• Packers' Josh Jacobs slammed for performing handcuff celebration after domestic violence arrest: 'Zero shame'The running back was making just his second appearance of the season. Jacobs missed the first six games amid the league's investigation into allegations of domestic abuse.Daily Mail Sport · 30 Oct, 02:14

In this story: Josh Jacobs · Green Bay Packers · Savion Williams · Carolina Panthers · Lambeau Field

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