Cooper Apologizes on Instagram After Broncos Arrest, Legal Experts Warn of Risk
Denver Broncos edge rusher Jonathon Cooper broke his silence on social media days after his arrest on domestic violence charges in Colorado, posting a public apology on Instagram alongside Bible scripture - a move that a legal expert has warned could complicate his defense if the case proceeds to trial. Cooper was arrested around 11 p.m. on Thursday following an altercation with his girlfriend, who was also arrested on a domestic violence charge. He was held overnight on two counts of domestic violence and one count of criminal mischief.
Cooper appeared in a Douglas County courtroom Friday morning alongside his attorney, Harvey Steinberg. He was released on a personal recognizance bond, with a follow-up plea hearing tentatively scheduled for Monday. His Instagram posts, published after his release, included highlighted passages from Ephesians 4:26-32 - verses addressing anger and forgiveness - followed by a personal statement. "I realize posting a Bible quote right after something very serious happens does not just mean everything is okay," Cooper wrote. "I apologize to my family, to my friends and my community. And so many others." In a separate Instagram Story, he added: "I apologize. This situation is not who I am."
According to the arrest affidavit, Cooper and his girlfriend were arguing over allegations of infidelity when she grabbed his phone, threw it, and attempted to search through it. Cooper allegedly made physical contact with her while attempting to retrieve the device. Cooper also admitted to causing what the affidavit described as "disabling damage" to her phone by biting it. The responding officer found conflicting statements from both parties and noted an absence of bruises, scratches, or other physical evidence sufficient to support harassment or assault charges. The affidavit also references a claim by Cooper's girlfriend that he lifted her by the throat, though the officer concluded a small mark on her neck was not consistent with that account. Both parties were charged with domestic violence offenses. Cooper is a sixth-year NFL player who has accumulated 31.5 career sacks.
A legal expert who requested anonymity told the outlet Sunday that he would have advised Cooper against any social media activity following the arrest. The expert cautioned that prosecutors could use the public apology as evidence at trial, arguing to a jury that someone who is innocent has no reason to apologize. However, the expert also acknowledged that many domestic violence cases involving dual arrests do not advance beyond the charging phase. The Denver Broncos and the NFL have both been notified of the incident. No disciplinary action from either the team or the league had been announced at the time of publication.
