Former NFL safety Justin Simmons objected to ESPN's coverage of Denver Broncos outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper during a Monday Night Football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1.
Early in the fourth quarter, with Denver trailing 31-10, Laura Rutledge noted that it was "worth remembering" that Cooper is on the commissioner's exempt list following two arrests in June related to alleged domestic violence. Cooper has pleaded not guilty to all charges and has a trial by jury scheduled for mid-November.
After Joe Buck explained that Cooper is allowed in the team's facility but cannot practice or play, Troy Aikman said he didn't think Cooper would have made a difference "at all" on a historically bad night for Denver's defense.
"Man no way….,"
Simmons tweeted after ESPN's approximately two-minute segment on Cooper.
"So we can talk about Jonathon Cooper on TV but not [Mike] Vrabel? That’s insane," Simmons continued.
The retired safety compared the scenario to New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, who was rumored to have had an affair with former NFL reporter Dianna Russini. ESPN hasn't featured much television coverage of the Vrabel-Russini saga, but that story is a very different accusation than Cooper's alleged domestic violence.
"That’s absolute bs btw," Simmons tweeted. "Shame on all of the production on Monday night football and the crew. You’re supposed to call the game. Coop isn’t playing the game and isn’t on the sidelines."
In response to fans pointing out the differences in the Cooper and Vrabel situations, Simmons tweeted: "I have hella people in my comments (mainly Pats fans) saying an affair is not the same as an ALLEGED conviction. Which is true. However, last time I checked MNF or any network hosting a game is supposed to talk about just that THE GAME not players who aren’t there or even playing. 🤡"
This was ESPN's segment on Cooper:
Justin Simmons objected to ESPN discussing the Jonathon Cooper situation on MNF. Simmons said coverage should have focused on players in the game, and he didn't like that "we can talk about Jonathon Cooper on TV but not [Mike] Vrabel."
— Jon Heath (@ByJonHeath) September 15, 2026
This was ESPN's segment on Cooper: pic.twitter.com/vgTTz6zxdt
Cooper, 28, is facing five total charges related to two alleged incidents involving his former girlfriend: (1) second-degree assault: strangulation (felony); (2) third-degree assault: knowingly or recklessly causing injury; (3) criminal mischief; (4) violating a protective order; and (5) harassment (repeated phone calls).
Cooper is currently ineligible to participate in the team's games, and he could face a suspension from the NFL. Vrabel, on the other hand, missed Day 3 of the NFL draft for counseling, but he has not missed any games, and there have been no reports that he could face discipline from the league.
The Patriots are scheduled to face the Chiefs on Monday Night Football in Week 15. Regardless of whether or not Aikman and Buck comment on Vrabel's offseason during that broadcast, it's clearly not the same kind of story as Cooper's pending legal situation.
Simmons, 32, spent the first eight years of his career with the Broncos, totaling 30 interceptions and earning four second-team All-Pro selections and two Pro Bowl nods. After being cut in 2024, Simmons spent a season with the Atlanta Falcons and then sat out the 2025 campaign. He had a ceremonial retirement with the Broncos in April.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Justin Simmons reacts to ESPN's 'absolute bs' coverage of Jonathon Cooper
