Jonathon Cooper was not at the opening day of the Broncos’ mandatory minicamp on Tuesday after being arrested twice in a week.
“We’ve excused him from this minicamp,” coach Sean Payton told reporters. “He’s taking this time; obviously, he’s got to work on himself. The club is very much in tune to the league office, local authorities here, and we’ve had several meetings.
“Clearly, from an ownership standpoint, head coach, organizationally, there’s a bar we have and an expectation we have that’s very high. We’ll consider all that as we continue to gather information.”
The 28-year-old pass rusher and his girlfriend were arrested on June 4 in Parker, Colo., following an alleged domestic dispute over a cell phone.
He was arrested again on June 12 for violating a protection order after he allegedly continued to make contact with his girlfriend through texts, calls and appearing at her home.
That added charges of violating a protection order and harassment on top of his felony assault by strangulation, third-degree assault, of knowingly or recklessly causing bodily injury, and a misdemeanor for domestic violence.
Cooper pleaded not guilty to the domestic violence charge on Monday, with a trial set for July 22, which is right before Broncos training camp.
The NFL has said it is monitoring the case, “which remains under review of the personal conduct policy.”
Cooper, a seventh-round pick in 2021 out of Ohio State, has emerged as a star on the field for Denver, totaling at least eight sacks each season since 2023. That production, earned him a four-year, $60 million extension with $33 million guaranteed in 2024.
