The Denver Broncos are just days away from having their veterans report on August 28 for this year’s training camp festivities. A lot of questions and headlines are out there leading up to camp, but perhaps none other is bigger than the legal situation with outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper.
After sitting out all of minicamp last month, Cooper recently completed a handful of measures that focused on his mental health and over all well-being. Today, according to 9News Broncos insider Mike Klis, Cooper had
a virtual hearing relating to his two arrests and subsequent charges in June. Those include second and third-degree assault, violation of a protection order, criminal mischief, and harassment.
The arraignment for those charges has now been scheduled for August 31. That date is well after training camp and two weeks before the regular season kickoff against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football.
Keep in mind, the lengthy legal process doesn’t have to play out for the NFL to suspend players in any incidents related to domestic violence. Per the league’s Personal Conduct Policy, first time offenses in this area carry a minimum suspension of six games without pay. Prior decisions [suspensions] on matters like this have often been rendered by the league by the middle of August.
As of now, it’s unknown whether or not Cooper will be present for training camp. Moreover, what his potential availability may be for the start of the season given his legal issues. In the event Cooper is suspended, the Broncos will turn to Jonah Elliss, Que Robinson, and Dondrea Tillman to help offset his loss.
Cooper, a late seventh-round draft selection by the Broncos in the 2021 NFL Draft, has went from a reserve player his first two seasons in the NFL to a key starter for the Broncos’ defense. In each of the last three seasons, Cooper has started every game and has posted 27 sacks and 180 tackles.
