Broncos’ Cooper pleads not guilty to domestic violence charges as trial looms
Legal timeline suggests potential overlap with training camp, prompting defence to seek expedited hearing
Denver Broncos outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper has entered a not guilty plea to two counts of domestic violence and one count of criminal mischief, following his arrest in Colorado earlier this week. Cooper appeared in Douglas County court on Monday, where he formally addressed the charges that have now triggered a structured legal process ahead of the NFL season.
The incident, which led to Cooper’s booking at 2:38 a.m. local time on Friday, originated from a dispute involving mobile phones between Cooper and an adult female identified as his girlfriend. Police records indicate the altercation escalated after the woman threw Cooper’s phone, prompting Cooper to bite the device, resulting in damage to both phones.
Conflicting narratives emerged during police questioning regarding the physical nature of the encounter. Cooper stated he grabbed his girlfriend by the upper arm and braced his neck against hers to retrieve his phone. Conversely, the woman alleged that Cooper grabbed her by the neck, held her against a wall, and threw her to the ground multiple times.
However, the arrest affidavit noted discrepancies between the woman’s allegations and her physical condition. Police observed that her injuries did not appear consistent with being lifted by the throat or repeatedly thrown to the ground, a detail that may influence the evidentiary landscape of the case.
Cooper’s attorney, Harvey Steinberg, indicated that the defence does not intend to file motions to dismiss. Instead, the legal team aims to expedite the proceedings, seeking a trial date as early as possible to allow Cooper to attend mandatory team practices. A motions hearing is scheduled for 6 July, with the trial expected to commence on 22 July.
The Broncos confirmed they are aware of the matter and are gathering more information. Cooper, 28, signed a four-year, $60 million contract extension in 2024 and recorded eight sacks last season. He has attended the Broncos’ offseason program and was present for OTAs last Thursday, maintaining his standing with the organisation pending the legal outcome.
The overlap between the trial date and the Broncos’ training camp, likely to begin in the last week of July, adds a logistical dimension to the proceedings. The woman involved is scheduled to make a separate court appearance on 16 June for a pre-trial conference.
Cooper was originally drafted by the Broncos in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft and has two years remaining on his current contract. The team’s response remains procedural as the legal system processes the charges, with no immediate disciplinary action announced pending the court’s final determination.
