Broncos LB Cooper pleads not guilty to domestic violence charges
Broncos OLB Cooper pleads not guilty to domestic violence charges, with trial set for November as NFL places him on exempt list.

The update
Denver Broncos outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper pleaded not guilty to multiple domestic violence charges in a Douglas County, Colorado courtroom on Monday. The 28-year-old player faces a felony charge of second-degree assault by strangulation and three misdemeanors, including violating a protection order, stemming from incidents in June. A trial date was set for November 10 with a jury, and a pretrial hearing is scheduled for October 30.
Why it matters
The NFL has placed Cooper on the commissioner exempt list, meaning he cannot practice or play in games while potential violations of the league’s personal conduct policy are reviewed. Cooper will continue to receive pay and can attend meetings and receive treatment at the team facility. This case highlights the NFL’s ongoing approach to addressing domestic violence among players and could set a precedent for how similar situations are handled moving forward.
What to watch
Watch for the trial outcome in November, which could determine Cooper’s legal fate and potential NFL suspension. Monitor how the Broncos organization continues to support Cooper while navigating these serious allegations. The league’s response may signal evolving standards for player conduct in high-profile domestic violence cases.
Sources
- espn.com — Details about Cooper's plea, charges, and NFL's response
- ProFootball Talk on NBC Sports — Additional context about Cooper's status with the team and trial date
