The Denver Broncos will kick off the regular season without their outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper, who has been placed on the NFL's commissioner’s exempt list. This decision comes in light of serious legal issues stemming from two incidents involving his former girlfriend over the summer, which have resulted in multiple arrests and charges.
According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, Cooper's placement on the exempt list is a direct response to the legal troubles he is currently facing. Reports indicate that he has been arrested twice in a short span and now faces a total of five charges, including a second-degree felony assault.
The specific charges against Cooper include second-degree assault involving strangulation, third-degree assault for causing injury, criminal mischief, violating a protective order, and harassment through repeated phone calls. As Cooper prepares to enter pleas of not guilty at an upcoming court hearing, the legal matters surrounding him remain unresolved.
Being placed on the commissioner’s exempt list means that Cooper will be on temporary paid leave from active competition. While he will not be able to practice or participate in games, he is still permitted to be around the team, attend meetings, and engage in conditioning and treatment at the team facility. This arrangement allows the NFL to manage the situation while Cooper's legal issues are addressed.
The Broncos have been proactive in preparing for Cooper's potential absence, as head coach Sean Payton utilized him for only two defensive series during the team's final preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings, opting to rest many of the other key players. Cooper has established himself as a valuable asset for the Broncos, recording 27.0 sacks over the last three seasons. His absence will be felt, but Denver has depth at the outside linebacker position, with players like Nik Bonitto, Jonah Elliss, Dondrea Tillman, and Que Robinson ready to step up.
As the Broncos gear up for the season, Cooper's legal situation adds another layer of complexity to the team's preparations. The organization is now tasked with navigating the challenges posed by his absence while maintaining their focus on the upcoming games. The resolution of Cooper's legal troubles will be closely monitored, as it will have significant implications for both his career and the Broncos' defensive strategy moving forward.
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