Broncos' Cooper pleads not guilty to domestic violence charges
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper pleaded not guilty to multiple domestic violence charges, including a felony assault by strangulation, with a trial set for November 10 and a pretrial hearing on October 30.
- Cooper was arrested twice within a week in June following incidents with his girlfriend, leading to his placement on the NFL's commissioner exempt list, barring him from practice and games while the league reviews potential personal conduct violations.
- Despite the charges, Cooper participated fully in training camp and the preseason finale, but the Broncos and coach Sean Payton are awaiting the legal and league processes before making further decisions.
- The felony charge is supported by a forensic medical exam indicating the victim suffered injuries posing a substantial risk of death or traumatic brain injury from strangulation.
- Cooper, a 2021 seventh-round draft pick with 31.5 sacks in 81 games, will remain on the exempt list but can attend meetings, receive medical treatment, and work out at the team complex during the investigation.
