Jonathon Cooper not guilty plea sets stage for July trial before training camp

Jonathon Cooper entered a not guilty plea to all charges on Monday morning in a Douglas County courtroom, four days after the Denver Broncos edge rusher was arrested on two counts of domestic violence and one count of criminal mischief, according to ESPN’s Jeff Legwold via Adam Schefter.

Cooper, 28, appeared in Judge Kelly Waidler’s courtroom at approximately 9:45 a.m., wearing a black shirt and black pants, expressionless throughout the brief proceeding, per TMZ Sports.

He did not speak. His attorney, Harvey Steinberg, entered a not guilty plea and immediately requested the earliest available trial date.

A motion hearing is scheduled for July 6. The jury trial is set for July 22. That date falls just before the Broncos are expected to open training camp, leaving a narrow window for legal clarity before the football calendar forces the organization’s hand. Steinberg told reporters no motion to dismiss is being planned.

Cooper declined to comment upon leaving the courthouse. Broncos director of player development Ray Jackson and former Broncos outside linebackers coach Michael Wilhoite were present in the courtroom in support.

What the arrest affidavit says and where the NFL investigation stands

The incident began Thursday night at Cooper’s apartment in Parker when his girlfriend, Jade Fiegen, accused him of cheating, grabbed his phone, and threw it. A physical altercation followed, during which Cooper grabbed her arm and reclaimed the phone.

Broncos outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper pleaded not guilty Monday in a Douglas County courtroom to misdemeanor domestic violence charges, via @Jeff_Legwold.https://t.co/2A1WayMii9

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 8, 2026

TMZ obtained court documents indicating Cooper also admitted to biting Fiegen’s phone and damaging it. Both were arrested.

Cooper had posted an apology on Instagram Saturday, writing “I apologize. This situation is not who I am,” along with Bible verses. An attorney consulted by Fox News noted the apology could potentially be used by prosecutors at trial.

The NFL’s personal conduct policy investigation will not begin until the legal proceedings conclude, meaning formal league discipline, if any, remains weeks away at minimum.

Cooper is under contract through 2028 on a four-year, $60 million deal. The Broncos have not issued any update on his training camp status.

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