Broncos’ Jonathon Cooper placed on commissioner’s exempt list for assault charges

Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper was arrested back in early June for an alleged domestic violence incident with his ex-girlfriend. After several weeks of the NFL conducting its own investigation while Cooper faces five assault charges, the league made a final decision on his status to begin the new campaign.

Reports indicate that the 28-year-old defender is being placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. There is no set return date for Cooper at this time.

“The NFL is placing Broncos pass rusher [Jonathon] Cooper on the Commissioner’s Exempt List, taking him off the field because of two incidents involving a former girlfriend,” Rapoport reported. “Cooper faces five charges, including second-degree assault, which is a felony.”

Cooper was initially arrested on June 4 due to an alleged altercation with his ex-girlfriend over a cell phone. The five-year pro was slapped with misdemeanor charges of criminal mischief and domestic violence for that incident. Jonathon Cooper was arrested again on June 11 for allegedly violating a protective order by visiting his former girlfriend’s home. The woman allegedly involved was initially given the same charges as Cooper.

However, after further evaluation, prosecutors dismissed the charges against Cooper’s ex-girlfriend. The former seventh-round pick faces five total charges, including second-degree assault (strangulation), third-degree assault (causing injury), criminal mischief, violation of a protective order, and harassment.

The 2026-27 campaign would be Jonathon Cooper’s sixth in the NFL. That will be put on hold for now while he spends time on the Commissioner’s Exempt List. He’s served as a consistent starter for the Broncos the past three seasons. He finished last year with 50 combined tackles (23 solo), eight sacks, and four pass deflections.

The post Broncos’ Jonathon Cooper placed on commissioner’s exempt list for assault charges appeared first on ClutchPoints.