Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper has pleaded not guilty to five domestic violence-related charges in Douglas County, Colorado. A jury trial is scheduled to begin November 10.
The charges stem from an alleged altercation with his former girlfriend in June. According to a police report, the ex-girlfriend accused Cooper of cheating and threw his phone against a wall, after which a physical struggle allegedly ensued. Cooper was arrested a week later for allegedly violating a protection order by attempting to contact her.
If convicted on all counts, Cooper could face between five and 16 years in prison. The charges include second-degree assault (strangulation), third-degree assault, violation of a protective order, harassment, and an additional misdemeanor charge.
Cooper has been placed on the NFL's commissioner's exempt list. He will continue to be paid and can access team facilities but is not permitted to practice or play in games while on leave. "It's part of the process," Broncos general manager George Paton stated. "We continue to take this very seriously. We're going to continue to monitor all the legal developments and continue to support Jonathon."
Despite the accusations in June, Cooper was permitted to participate in training camp and served as a gameday captain during the preseason. He attended a 40-day inpatient clinic for mental health and wellness programming prior to training camp.
Under the NFL-NFLPA domestic violence policy, Cooper could face a lengthy suspension regardless of the trial's outcome. Any games missed while on the exempt list will count towards his suspension. The 28-year-old is due to earn $12 million this season.
Cooper was a seventh-round pick in 2021 and has recorded eight sacks and 50 tackles over the last three seasons, becoming a consistent pass rusher for the Broncos.