The Denver Broncos’ offseason schedule took a dramatic turn with the arrest of outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper on charges of domestic violence and criminal mischief. Cooper, who recently penned a four-year $54 million extension, became the latest player in Roger Goodell’s NFL to be charged with domestic violence.
Cooper was booked into the Douglas County jail early Friday morning following an escalation from a late-night dispute over alleged infidelity. Fans across social media posted different reactions to the news.
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Jason Ring wrote:
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“Charges will be dismissed, case dropped, and back to practice before you know it. Business as usual for the NFL.”
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Luna remarked:
“Let him go. That’s not an NFL crime.”
Kevin Roberts commented:
“If we learned anything from the Josh Jacobs arrest, it’s that Jonathon Cooper will be back at practice in a week.”
Jake Tarin posted:
“Slap on the wrist incoming.”
Kyle Blanks wrote:
“Maybe Roger Goodell should change out his woke helmet and end zone message to ‘WAG lives matter’ and ‘end domestic violence.’ Quit lecturing the fans and address your out-of-control, violent players.”
Johnny Miller asked:
“How hard is it for athletes to not do stupid sh-t and get arrested?”
Jonathon Cooper and the concerning NFL domestic violence record
Jonathon Cooper’s arrest is only the latest in a concerning trend the NFL is struggling to eradicate. It also puts the revisions to the league’s Personal Conduct Policy following the Ray Rice scandal in perspective.
Domestic violence has constantly haunted the league. It accounts for an alarming 48% of all violent crime arrests among NFL players, according to a study. Cooper’s case follows the recent arrest of Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs for domestic abuse, strangulation, and disorderly conduct.
The Broncos’ initial reaction to the arrest was brief, with the franchise issuing a statement.
“We are aware of the matter and are gathering more information,” the statement reads.
Losing Jonathon Cooper to disciplinary action would deal a significant blow to the Broncos’ defense. The 28-year-old has been solid for the Brocos, starting in every game since 2023 while compiling 31.5 career sacks. He racked up 50 combined tackles and eight sacks last season, following a career-best 10.5-sack campaign in 2024.
However, the Broncos’ depth on defense is enough to make the potential impact minimal.
Edited by Kayode Akinwumi