Story perspectives

Broncos' Cooper Pleads Not Guilty to Domestic Violence

6/9/2026

Summary

Cooper Pleads Not Guilty

Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor domestic-violence charges in Douglas County, Colorado, on June 8, 2026.
Attorney Harvey Steinberg said the defense will not seek dismissal and wants the trial set early.
A motions hearing is scheduled for July 6, 2026 and a jury trial for July 22, 2026.
Cooper and his girlfriend faced misdemeanor domestic-violence and criminal-mischief charges after a dispute over infidelity and a damaged phone.

Summary

Broncos Await Decision

The Denver Broncos said they are gathering more information about Cooper’s case.
The NFL has been notified of the incident and may consider league discipline.
Cooper’s uncertain availability could affect the Broncos’ defensive lineup this season.
A suspension would impact the team’s salary-cap because Cooper has a four-year, $60 million contract.
Any league discipline will depend on the legal outcome and the NFL’s personal-conduct policy.

Summary

Cooper Arrested

Jonathon Cooper was arrested on June 4, 2026 and booked at 2:38 AM.
His girlfriend was also taken into custody on the night of the June 4, 2026 arrest.
Cooper, a 28-year-old linebacker drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2021, has recorded 31.5 career sacks, 238 tackles and two interceptions over five seasons.
He posted a career-high 10.5 sacks in the 2024 season.

History

Historical Context

After Ray Rice’s February 2014 assault video led the NFL to suspend him for two games and prompted Commissioner Roger Goodell to admit the league mishandled the case, the NFL tightened its personal-conduct policy and set harsher penalties for domestic-violence offenses. That precedent now frames the Denver Broncos’ Jonathon Cooper case and potential cap implications.

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Cooper Pleads Not Guilty

Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor domestic-violence charges in Douglas County, Colorado, on June 8, 2026.
Attorney Harvey Steinberg said the defense will not seek dismissal and wants the trial set early.
A motions hearing is scheduled for July 6, 2026 and a jury trial for July 22, 2026.
Cooper and his girlfriend faced misdemeanor domestic-violence and criminal-mischief charges after a dispute over infidelity and a damaged phone.

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