NFL Lifts Exempt Status for Broncos' Jonathon Cooper

The NFL has lifted the Commissioner’s Exempt List status for Jonathon Cooper, an outside linebacker for the Denver Broncos, enabling him to participate in the team's next game on October 25. Cooper had been sidelined for six games following domestic-related charges stemming from two incidents involving his former girlfriend in June.

Cooper was placed on paid leave on August 30, facing five charges, including felony second-degree assault and strangulation, after disputes that began over a cell phone. His motion hearing was postponed at the district attorney's request and is now set for February 23, with a jury trial scheduled for the week of March 2. The NFL season concludes with Super Bowl LXI on February 14.

Despite the legal challenges, Cooper participated in the Broncos' training camp and three preseason games after pleading not guilty to all charges. While on leave, he forfeited $180,000 in per-game roster bonuses but retained his weekly game checks of $676,471. The NFL stated it will continue to monitor Cooper's legal situation until it is resolved.