Broncos' Cooper Pleads Not Guilty, Faces November Trial in Domestic Case

Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper entered a not guilty plea in a Douglas County court on charges related to June altercations with his ex-girlfriend, with a jury trial scheduled to begin Nov. 10. Cooper was placed on the NFL's commissioner exempt list Sunday, allowing him to be paid and access team facilities but barring him from practice and games. General manager George Paton said the team takes the matter seriously and will monitor legal developments while supporting Cooper.

EXPANDED:

Cooper's legal troubles began with two arrests in early June — the first following a physical altercation that led to a felony strangulation charge, and the second a week later for allegedly contacting the woman in violation of a protection order. He spent more than a month at an inpatient treatment facility near Vail before returning for training camp.

The Broncos opted to keep Cooper rather than release him, despite his $12 million salary for the season. He was named a team captain for the preseason finale just days before being placed on the exempt list. His absence will shift responsibilities to Jonah Elliss, Que Robinson, and Dondrea Tillman. Any games missed while on the exempt list would count toward a potential league suspension, but Cooper