Broncos LB Legal Battle
Broncos' Jonathon Cooper Returns to Practice Amid Felony Assault Charge and Ongoing Legal Review
Key Points
Cooper faces two misdemeanor charges (harassment and violation of a protection order) in addition to a felony domestic violence charge, stemming from incidents involving his ex-girlfriend in June, including an alleged choking incident and a restraining-order violation; an Aug. 31 arraignment has been scheduled.
The veteran outside linebacker signed a 4-year, $60 million contract extension in November 2024, underscoring his value to Denver’s defense.
Cooper has hired renowned defense attorney Harvey Steinberg to represent him; Steinberg also represents Terrion Arnold, a former first-round pick facing separate charges.
He returned to practice and took part in acclimation workouts ahead of training camp, with the team indicating he will be a full participant as it proceeds through the legal and league review process.
Broncos coach Sean Payton emphasized ongoing support and stressed that the organization is following league and club protocols while monitoring the situation, including substantial time spent with Cooper by leadership (Payton, ownership, and management) to assess the path forward.
Denver Broncos outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper returned to practice this week despite facing a felony domestic violence charge, two misdemeanor charges, and a scheduled Aug. 31 arraignment, according to NFL.com. The veteran pass rusher took part in acclimation workouts ahead of training camp, with the team allowing him to participate fully while legal and league reviews play out.
Cooper, who signed a 4-year, $60 million extension in November 2024, faces allegations involving an alleged choking incident and a restraining-order violation involving his ex-girlfriend in June, KOAA reported. The NFL is reviewing the case under its Personal Conduct Policy, and a suspension remains possible.
Felony Charge and Two Misdemeanors Stem from June Incidents
Cooper faces three charges in total. The most serious is a felony domestic violence assault charge. He also faces two misdemeanors: harassment and violation of a protection order. Both incidents involved his ex-girlfriend and occurred in June, according to Sentinel Colorado.
An Aug. 31 arraignment has been scheduled. That date falls during the NFL preseason, raising questions about his availability. Cooper hired prominent defense attorney Harvey Steinberg to represent him. Steinberg also represents former first-round pick Terrion Arnold, who faces separate charges, East Idaho News noted.
Payton Says Team Is Supportive, Following League Protocol
Head coach Sean Payton addressed the situation directly. He said the Broncos are following both league and club protocols. He described the organization's approach as supportive rather than punitive while the process unfolds. Payton, team ownership, and management all spent substantial time with Cooper to assess the path forward, NFL.com reported.
Payton also praised Cooper's off-field work during his absence. Cooper spent weeks in inpatient counseling and therapy before returning. Payton called his effort during that period "fantastic." The team views Cooper as a key piece of its defense and has not moved to bench or suspend him on its own.
NFL Personal Conduct Policy Could Still Trigger Suspension
The NFL is conducting its own independent review under the Personal Conduct Policy. That policy allows the league to suspend a player even before a criminal conviction. No decision has been announced yet. The Aug. 31 arraignment is seen as a key milestone that could shape the league's next move, according to KOAA.
If the NFL finds sufficient cause, Cooper could miss regular-season games. The Broncos say they will wait for both court and league proceedings to conclude before deciding next steps. For now, Cooper remains on the field and in Denver's plans.
$60 Million Man Still Central to Denver's Defense Plans
Cooper's contract extension, signed just seven months ago, highlights how much Denver values him. The 4-year, $60 million deal made him one of the higher-paid outside linebackers in the league. His return to practice signals the team is not ready to move on from him, Sentinel Colorado reported.
The Broncos open training camp soon and enter the preseason with Cooper listed as a full participant. The Aug. 31 arraignment lands late in the preseason schedule. Denver will be watching closely — and so will the NFL — as that date approaches.
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