Broncos Face Dilemma as Jonathon Cooper's Legal Issues Mount
WHO:
Sportskeeda - Jonathon Cooper, outside linebacker for the Denver Broncos
The Denver Post - Sean Payton, head coach of the Denver Broncos; Carrie Walton-Penner, owner; Greg Penner, owner; Douglas County Sheriff’s Office
WHAT:
Sportskeeda - Jonathon Cooper was arrested over a felony charge and a domestic violence accusation.
Sportskeeda - Cooper was arrested at 6:17 p.m. local time on Thursday.
The Denver Post - Cooper was booked on charges of domestic violence, harassment, and violation of a protection order.
The Denver Post - Cooper's girlfriend reported that he had shown up at her apartment and knocked on the door for “five to 10 minutes.”
The Denver Post - Cooper sent his girlfriend at least 20 messages while both were under court protection orders.
The Denver Post - The girlfriend described an incident where Cooper allegedly strangled her, resulting in “strangulation with hypoxia and traumatic brain injury.”
The Denver Post - Cooper pleaded not guilty in court last week.
The Denver Post - Cooper is scheduled for a motions hearing on July 6 and a potential jury trial in late July.
The Denver Post - NFL precedent suggests a potential six-game suspension for Cooper.
WHERE:
The Denver Post - Douglas County Sheriff’s Office detention facility
The Denver Post - Cooper's girlfriend's apartment
WHEN:
The Denver Post - Cooper's last voluntary team session before mandatory mini-camp was on Thursday.
The Denver Post - Mandatory mini-camp begins on Tuesday.
The Denver Post - A motions hearing is scheduled for July 6.
The Denver Post - A potential jury trial is set for late July.
WHY:
The Denver Post - The Broncos are facing a dilemma regarding Cooper's future with the team due to his legal issues and the impact on the team's image.
HOW:
The Denver Post - Cooper was arrested after his girlfriend called the police regarding his presence at her apartment, violating a court order.
(UPDATED June 12, 2026 23:25 UTC)
Jonathon Cooper, an outside linebacker for the Denver Broncos, was arrested on felony charges, including domestic violence and harassment, after allegedly violating a protection order by showing up at his girlfriend's apartment and sending her numerous messages. His girlfriend reported that Cooper had knocked on her door for several minutes and described a disturbing incident where he allegedly strangled her, leading to serious injuries. Cooper has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for a motions hearing on July 6, with a potential jury trial set for late July, while the Broncos face a challenging decision regarding his future with the team amidst these legal troubles.