Full Breakdown
Jonathon Cooper Pleads Not Guilty to Domestic Violence Charges
9/1/2026, 4:00:26 AM
Core Event
Denver Broncos outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper entered a plea of not guilty to all five domestic-violence-related charges in a Douglas County, Colorado courtroom on Monday. A jury trial is scheduled to begin on Nov. 10 and run through mid-November. The charges stem from two arrests that occurred in early June 2026.
Timeline of Legal and Team Actions
- June 4 – Police responded to Cooper’s apartment after an altercation with his then-girlfriend; he was arrested and charged.
- June 11 – Cooper was arrested again for allegedly violating a protection order.
- Mid-June – The Broncos placed Cooper on the league’s commissioner-exempt list, allowing him to remain at the team facility, receive medical treatment and attend meetings, but prohibiting practice and game participation.
- July 28 – After more than a month in an inpatient clinic near Vail, Cooper reported to the Broncos’ training camp.
- July 29 – Cooper participated in his first practice session following his return.
- Later in October – A pre-trial hearing is set.
- Nov. 10 – Jury trial is scheduled to commence.
*Note: The Denver Post reports the first arrest as occurring on June 5 and the second on June 12, creating a discrepancy with other outlets that cite June 4 and June 11.*
Charges and Potential Penalties
Cooper faces one felony charge of second-degree assault by strangulation and four misdemeanor counts: third-degree assault, criminal mischief, violation of a protective order, and harassment. If convicted on all counts, the statutory range of imprisonment is five to 16 years. The NFL’s domestic-violence policy also allows for a suspension independent of the criminal outcome.
Impact on Broncos Roster and Player Status
While on the commissioner-exempt list, Cooper continues to receive his full $12 million salary for the 2026 season and may work out in the team complex and attend meetings. He does not count against the 53-man roster. The Broncos are expected to replace him in the starting lineup with Jonah Elliss, a third-year defensive end, and see increased roles for Que Robinson and Dondrea Tillman.
Cooper’s career statistics include 31.5 sacks in 81 games, eight sacks in the 2025 season, and a career-high 10.5 sacks in 2024. He signed a four-year extension in November 2024 that contains $33 million in guarantees.
Official Statements & Responses
Broncos general manager George Paton said the organization is taking the matter “very seriously” and will monitor legal developments while supporting Cooper. Head coach Sean Payton noted the team will “wait on the league” regarding Cooper’s eligibility and confirmed he can lift, attend meetings, and receive treatment but cannot practice.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell retains sole discretion to maintain or remove a player from the exempt list and to impose any league-mandated suspension after its personal-conduct review.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Arrest dates: Most sources list June 4 and June 11; the Denver Post cites June 5 and June 12.
- Number of charges: All outlets agree on five charges, though misdemeanor labeling varies slightly.
No additional public statements from law-enforcement officials or victim advocates have been reported.
What’s Next
The next scheduled court event is the pre-trial hearing in October, followed by the jury trial beginning on Nov. 10. The NFL’s personal-conduct investigation will proceed concurrently, and the league may announce disciplinary action after its review. Cooper remains on the exempt list throughout this period, receiving his salary and limited team access.
