Broncos Excuse Jonathon Cooper From Mandatory Minicamp Following Arrests
Denver kept its starting outside linebacker away from the team's final spring practices as his legal case heads toward a late-July trial.
The Denver Broncos excused outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper from this week's mandatory minicamp following his recent arrests, the team said, marking the latest development in a legal matter that has shadowed the player throughout the offseason. Coach Sean Payton framed the absence as time for Cooper to step away, telling reporters, "He's taking this time, obviously, he's got to work on himself." Payton added that the organization is treating the situation seriously, saying it maintains high standards and that "we're continuing to go through that process, and we take it very seriously." Cooper, who allegedly faces multiple domestic-violence-related charges, is presumed innocent as the case moves through the courts.
Why did the Broncos hold Jonathon Cooper out of minicamp?
The Broncos described Cooper's absence as an excused one rather than a formal disciplinary suspension, with the team monitoring the legal proceedings while it meets internally and with league and local officials. Sean Payton, who recently signed a new five-year deal in Denver, said Cooper needs time to address his situation, telling reporters the linebacker "has got to work on himself." Payton stopped short of detailing any team-imposed punishment, instead emphasizing that the organization is working through its own process and takes the matter seriously. Allowing Cooper to step away from the team's final spring practices keeps him out of the building while the case develops. The Broncos have not announced any change to his contract or roster status. Cooper is presumed innocent of the allegations he faces.
What charges does Cooper allegedly face, and how did the case escalate?
According to reports, Cooper was first arrested June 4 in Parker, Colorado, following an alleged confrontation with his girlfriend, and one of the counts from that incident was later upgraded to felony second-degree assault. He pleaded not guilty and was released on personal recognizance after the initial arrest. Cooper was then arrested again on June 12 on multiple charges, including harassment, in what was reported as an alleged violation of a protection order tied to the first case. On June 13, he was again released on personal recognizance, this time under a strict no-contact order that also requires prior court approval before he travels outside Colorado. All of the allegations remain unproven, and Cooper has not been convicted of any offense. Touchdown Week is attributing the specifics to law enforcement and court records.
What comes next for Cooper, the trial and his NFL status?
The legal calendar points directly at the start of training camp, with motions hearings set for July 6 and July 14 and a jury trial scheduled to begin July 22. That timing leaves Cooper's availability for the Broncos' camp and the 2026 season uncertain. Separately, the NFL is monitoring the case, and Cooper could face discipline under the league's personal conduct policy, which can result in a suspension regardless of how the criminal matter is resolved. For now, the league has not announced any action, and any potential penalty would follow its own review process. The Broncos have not committed to a timeline for Cooper's return to team activities. As with the criminal proceedings, no determination has been made, and Cooper is entitled to the presumption of innocence.
Players in this story
Sources
- ESPN: Broncos excuse Jonathon Cooper from minicamp after arrests
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