Broncos Linebacker Jonathon Cooper Cleared to Practice, Remains Under League Scrutiny

Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper has been removed from the NFL's commissioner's exempt list, making him eligible to practice and play in the team's upcoming Week 7 game against the Arizona Cardinals. Cooper had been on the list since August 30, following two arrests in June on domestic violence charges.

Commissioner Roger Goodell placed Cooper on the exempt list after the linebacker was charged with a felony and three misdemeanors stemming from two separate incidents. An arrest affidavit detailed an altercation at Cooper's apartment with his girlfriend, which reportedly escalated from an argument about alleged infidelity. According to the report, the girlfriend grabbed Cooper's phone, threw it, and then attempted to retrieve it, leading to a physical struggle. The affidavit states Cooper braced his neck against hers to prevent her from taking the phone and subsequently bit and broke the device.

Cooper addressed his return on social media Friday, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to rejoin the team and stating his commitment to personal improvement. "Over the last several months, I’ve spent a lot of time working to better myself. That work will continue," Cooper wrote. "My focus is on being the best person, father, teammate and member of this community I can be. I will show that commitment through my actions every day."

Despite his return to practice and availability for games, Cooper could still face further disciplinary action from the league under the NFL's personal conduct policy as his legal proceedings continue.