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Cooper Pleads Not Guilty as NFL Exempts Him

9/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Jonathon Cooper pleaded not guilty to felony assault by strangulation and four misdemeanor domestic-violence charges in Douglas County.
A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for Oct. 30, 2026, and a jury trial for Nov. 10.
The NFL placed Cooper on the commissioner’s exempt list, barring practice and games while he receives his full $12 million salary.
Broncos GM George Paton and coach Sean Payton said they will monitor the case and await league action.

History

Historical Context

After Ray Rice’s August 2014 domestic-violence arrest and the NFL’s shift to a six-game first-offense ban, the league adopted a formal domestic-violence policy and appointed Anna Isaacson as vice-president of social responsibility. That precedent guides the NFL’s response to defensive end Jonathon Cooper’s 2026 felony-assault indictment, prompting Broncos GM George Paton, coach Sean Payton and league officials to monitor the case.

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Story summary

Jonathon Cooper pleaded not guilty to felony assault by strangulation and four misdemeanor domestic-violence charges in Douglas County.
A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for Oct. 30, 2026, and a jury trial for Nov. 10.
The NFL placed Cooper on the commissioner’s exempt list, barring practice and games while he receives his full $12 million salary.
Broncos GM George Paton and coach Sean Payton said they will monitor the case and await league action.

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