Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper pleads not guilty to domestic violence charges

Denver Broncos outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper pleaded not guilty on Monday in a Douglas County, Colorado, courtroom to misdemeanor domestic violence charges following his late-Thursday arrest in Parker. Court records list a motions hearing for July 6 and a potential jury trial set to begin July 22. Those dates fall near the NFL club’s anticipated late-July training camp. Police said Cooper, 28, and his girlfriend were detained after an argument in which cellphones were damaged.

Cooper appeared in court Friday after an overnight detention and was released on a personal recognizance bond later that morning. His attorney, Harvey Steinberg, asked the court to move quickly and set the case for trial as soon as possible to reduce any conflict with team obligations. The defense indicated it does not plan to seek dismissal at this stage and instead requested an expedited schedule.

According to records, Parker police arrested Cooper at approximately 11:16 p.m. Thursday, and he was booked into the Douglas County Jail at 2:38 a.m. Friday. He was held on suspicion of criminal mischief with a domestic violence enhancer. His girlfriend was also arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor domestic violence and petty criminal mischief stemming from the same incident.

Affidavits submitted by both parties provided sharply different accounts of the confrontation. An officer noted in Cooper’s case file that the conflicting statements and a lack of specific corroborating evidence meant there was no probable cause to pursue harassment or assault counts at that time. The criminal mischief allegations relate to damage to the phones involved in the dispute.

Court timeline and potential clash with camp

The court set a motions hearing for July 6, with jury selection and trial tentatively slated to begin July 22. Any trial extending into the start of camp could force Cooper to split time between court and the team facility. Defense counsel signaled readiness to proceed without delay, which could allow the matter to be resolved before or during the early portion of camp, depending on how the calendar holds.

Cooper’s attorney urged the court to accommodate his client’s professional schedule, emphasizing that the player intends to meet team obligations while addressing the case. Court officials said the timeline remains subject to change as pretrial motions are heard and scheduling is finalized.

Conflicting affidavits and police observations

In his statement to police, Cooper said the argument began after his girlfriend confronted him over alleged infidelity, seized his phone and threw it. He told officers he took hold of her upper arm while attempting to retrieve the device and that, during the struggle, he pressed his neck against hers. Cooper also stated he later bit his own phone, causing damage.

His girlfriend, in a separate affidavit, alleged Cooper grabbed her by the neck, held her against a wall for about a minute, picked her up and threw her down several times, and punched a wall near her head. An officer wrote that markings observed on her neck and body did not appear consistent with being lifted by the throat or repeatedly slammed to the ground, reiterating that conflicting statements limited probable cause for additional assault-related charges.

Team and league responses

The Broncos said Friday they were aware of the matter and were gathering more information. The NFL said it had been in contact with the team, and the case could be reviewed under the league’s personal conduct policy. On Saturday, Cooper posted on Instagram, sharing a Bible verse and writing an apology directed to his family, friends and community, while acknowledging that such a post does not make the situation right.

Cooper has been participating in the club’s offseason program, including organized team activities late last week, according to records. The outcome of the July 6 hearing will determine whether the July 22 trial proceeds as scheduled and, by extension, whether the timeline intersects with the first days of training camp.

Roster context and contract status

Cooper, a seventh-round pick in the 2021 draft, is set to enter his sixth season with Denver. He logged eight sacks in 2024, the second-highest total on the team, as the Broncos defense set a single-season franchise mark with 68 sacks. He signed a four-year, $60 million contract extension in 2024.

Court scheduling and any update from the league will shape Cooper’s near-term availability. Officials said further information could be released in the coming weeks, including potential adjustments to the hearing or trial dates.