October 4, 2025

Trial Delay for Former NFL Player Michael Neal

News Summary

The trial of former Green Bay Packers linebacker Michael Neal has been postponed due to a change in the prosecuting State Attorney. Initially set for October 6, it will now proceed on October 20. Neal faces serious charges, including sexual battery, stemming from incidents earlier in the year. Following a request from the Governor’s Office for a different prosecutor, Judge Green granted the delay. Neal has remained in custody since his re-arrest and continues to contest the charges against him.

Tampa, FL – The criminal trial of former Green Bay Packers linebacker Michael Neal has been delayed due to a change in the State Attorney responsible for prosecuting the case. The trial was originally scheduled for Monday, October 6th, 2023, but has now been moved to October 20th, 2023.

Neal faces serious charges, including sexual battery, stemming from an arrest on April 24, 2023. After his initial arrest on April 13, 2023, for domestic battery, Neal was initially held without bond until a bond of $3,500 was granted following a hearing. However, the situation escalated when he was re-arrested for the more severe sexual battery charge, leading to Judge J. Logan Murphy ordering that he be held without bond once again.

During a court appearance in Tampa on Friday morning, the State Attorney’s Office indicated that the Governor’s Office had requested a different State Attorney’s Office to take over the prosecution of Neal’s case. The options under consideration for the new prosecutor include the State Attorney from Sarasota or Polk County. This executive order prompted Judge Gregory Green to rule in favor of the delay, despite objections from Neal’s defense team regarding the length of his detention and previous denials for bond.

Neal, a second-round draft pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, had a career with the Green Bay Packers that lasted six seasons. During his time in the NFL, he recorded a total of 19 sacks, 41 assists, and one interception, playing a pivotal role in the team that claimed victory in Super Bowl XLV in 2011. Following his football career, Neal transitioned into the real estate sector and focused on promoting investment portfolios through his company, 1st and 10 Consulting.

Neal’s legal problems began earlier in 2023 when he was taken into custody for domestic battery charges which initially saw him being denied bond. After a subsequent hearing, he was released on bond. However, the arrest on April 24 due to the more serious charge of sexual battery led to a swift response from the State Attorney’s Office, requesting that he be held without bond moving forward.

Since his second arrest, Neal has remained in custody at the Falkenburg Road Jail. His attorneys filed a motion for bond in August, which was denied by Judge Green. Now, with the trial moved to October 20, a status hearing is scheduled for October 8, ensuring that the new State Attorney’s Office is prepared to proceed.

In the weeks leading up to the new trial date, a pretrial hearing is also planned for October 14, 2023. This hearing will address procedural aspects of the upcoming trial and further assess the readiness of both the defense team and the prosecution.

The implications of this case remain significant as it unfolds in the court system, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals transitioning from professional sports to civilian life, particularly when entangled in serious legal matters. The decision to delay the trial allows for the necessary adjustments in legal representation, but it also prolongs the process for Neal, who has been embroiled in legal issues for several months.

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Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER

The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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