Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathan Cooper has pleaded not guilty to five criminal charges stemming from a domestic violence arrest involving his former girlfriend, according to reports from Yahoo Sports. The legal proceedings arrive as a severe disruption to the career of an NFL starter who signed a lucrative four-year contract extension in 2024.
Legal Charges and Not Guilty Pleas
According to police records detailed by Yahoo Sports, the dispute began last June when Cooper’s former girlfriend attempted to check his mobile phone over suspected infidelity. The woman alleged that Cooper grabbed her by the neck, pushed her against a wall, lifted her, and threw her to the floor multiple times before punching the wall near her face. While Cooper disputed allegations that he choked her, subsequent medical examinations indicated injuries consistent with strangulation accompanied by hypoxia. Prosecutors subsequently filed charges including second-degree felony assault. Cooper entered not guilty pleas across all five counts in court.
Contract Terms and On-Field Performance
The legal fallout directly impacts a prominent defensive asset for the Denver Broncos. According to contract data from Spotrac, Cooper signed a four-year extension valued at 6000만 달러 in 2024, featuring 3209만6000달러 in guaranteed money. The linebacker established himself as a durable starter by opening all 17 regular-season games in each of his last three seasons, culminating in a career-high 10.5 sacks during the 2024 campaign.
NFL Disciplinary Action and Roster Status
Following the initial arrest, police records indicate Cooper was taken into custody a second time just a week later after allegedly violating a protection order by sending multiple text messages and visiting the woman’s residence. In response to the successive arrests, the National Football League placed Cooper on the commissioner’s exempt list. Under the terms of the designation, Cooper remains prohibited from participating in team practices and games while continuing to collect his salary from the club.
Next Confirmed Checkpoint
Cooper is scheduled to stand trial before a jury beginning on November 10. Official updates regarding his roster status or legal proceedings will follow subsequent court hearings.
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