NFL news: Broncos’ Jonathon Cooper apologizes online after domestic abuse arrest
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
It’s rare for anyone, let alone an NFL player with the guidance of legal counsel, to break their silence days after an arrest for domestic violence, but Denver Broncos rusher Jonathon Cooper did just that, and there are surprises in store.
Cooper took to his Instagram account and posted a long Bible Text as one of his Stories; This seems quite odd considering the allegations against him.
He later apologized for his actions.
Cooper was arrested in Colorado around 11 p.m. Thursday and was held in custody overnight on two counts of domestic violence and one count of criminal mischief following an incident with his girlfriend, who was also arrested on domestic violence charges.
Denver Broncos star Jonathon Cooper was arrested early Friday morning in Colorado on suspicion of two counts of domestic violence and one count of criminal mischief. (Courtesy Douglas County Sheriff’s Office)
BRONCOS STAR JONATHAN COOPER ARRESTED FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Cooper, a sixth-year player with 31.5 career sacks, appeared in a Douglas County courtroom Friday morning with his attorney, Harvey Steinberg. A follow-up plea hearing was tentatively scheduled for Monday, and the 6-foot-4, 251-pound Cooper was released on personal recognizance bail.
Meanwhile, Cooper apologized.
She posted Bible verses about anger on her Instagram Stories and then added her own message:
GREEN BAY PACKERS PRO BOWL RB JOSH JACOBS ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE DOMESTIC ABUSE OFFENSES
“I realize I’m publishing a bible. (sic) A quote right after something very serious has happened doesn’t mean everything is okay,” Cooper said. “I apologize to my family, friends and community.
“And many more.”
Cooper added in another story: “I’m sorry. This situation is not me.”
The Scripture Cooper shared is a highlighted photo of Ephesians 4:26-32.
It’s starting…
“Do not let your anger lead you to sin, and do not let the sun set on your anger.”
Verses 31 and 32, which Cooper also highlighted, read as follows: “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all evil. Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.”
A legal expert who wished to remain anonymous told Fox News Sunday evening that he would advise Cooper to remain silent, including on social media.
He said the social media post could pose a challenge for Cooper’s legal team if the case goes to trial. He said prosecutors could plausibly use the apology as evidence and underscore to the jury that innocent people have no reason to apologize.
Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper stands on the field before the game at Empower Field at Mile High on Dec. 21, 2025 in Denver, Colo. (Ron Chenoy/Imagn Images)
All of these need to be heard because most of these cases do not even make it past the impeachment stage, let alone trial. And it’s even more rare when both parties are arrested on domestic violence charges, as in this case.
According to the arrest affidavit, Cooper’s girlfriend and Cooper were arguing over allegations of cheating.
He then grabbed Cooper’s phone, threw it, then picked it up and tried to run through it. Cooper allegedly made some type of physical contact with her while trying to get her phone back, according to the affidavit.
ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. GET THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!
Conflicting statements from two witnesses (Cooper and his girlfriend) and the lack of bruises, scratches, or other credible evidence indicating physical contact led the responding officer to conclude that “there was no probable cause for harassment or assault charges.”
Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper warms up before his game against the Philadelphia Eagles on October 5, 2025 at Lincoln Financial Field. (Eric Hartline/Imagn Images)
But Cooper admitted he caused “disabling damage” to his girlfriend when he bit her phone. Yes, it’s weird.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION
The affidavit also includes the girlfriend’s allegations that Cooper grabbed her by the throat, but the officer concluded she had “a small mark on her.” [her] the neck did not appear consistent with the claim [she] “He had been lifted into the air by his throat by another person.”
The Broncos and NFL are aware of the incident.
FOLLOW ARMANDO SALGUERO ON X: @ARMANDOSALGUERO
