Broncos outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper hit the practice field Wednesday, returning after six weeks on the Commissioner’s Exempt List. This isn’t just some routine injury return, though. Cooper’s comeback carries some serious weight given what put him on that list in the first place.
Six Weeks Away, Five Charges Still Pending
The reason Cooper spent those six weeks on a paid leave of absence? He was arrested not once, but twice in a span of seven days back in June, both times on domestic violence charges. Think about that for a second: two arrests in a week. That’s a huge deal. He’s facing five charges stemming from two disputes with his ex-girlfriend, which reportedly started over a cell phone. The most serious of these? A felony second-degree assault/strangulation charge. That’s not just a slap on the wrist.
“Nobody’s Perfect,” But Accountability Is Key
During his first media session since those June 4 and 11 arrests, Cooper kept things tight. He wouldn’t answer any specific questions about his case. Why? Because his trial is still on the calendar, set for March 2. But he did offer up a quote that’s gonna stick with folks. “Nobody’s perfect, but there’s no excuses,” Cooper said, via Jeff Legwold of ESPN, “and I do hold myself accountable and things are going to sort themselves out. I promise that.” When pressed on what he’d say to people, especially female fans, his response was telling. “Honestly . . . that’s hard,” he admitted. “I feel like relationships are difficult, [but] no excuses on my end. I do apologize for anybody’s feelings, truthfully, because you have to be ass…” The quote cuts off there, but the sentiment is clear: this is a tough situation for everyone involved.
The NFL, for its part, isn’t closing the book on this yet. They’ve made it clear they might hand down further punishment for Cooper once all his legal matters are finally resolved. With his trial set for March 2, the NFL has left the door open for further punishment, meaning this story is far from over for Cooper and the Broncos.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
Leave a Reply