Broncos’ Jonathon Cooper to start season on commissioner’s exempt list, AP source says

Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper will begin the season on the commissioner's exempt list, according to an Associated Press source. Cooper, who faces a felony strangulation charge, is set to start the season on this special list. The announcement was made to The Associated Press on Sunday, with the source speaking on condition of anonymity due to the move not being officially announced by the team or the NFL prior to the roster cutdown deadline.

Cooper was recently involved in domestic violence incidents following two arrests in June. He was arrested on June 4 along with his girlfriend after an argument turned physical. During a subsequent incident, Cooper was accused of violating a protection order his girlfriend had obtained. Cooper faces an arraignment on Monday on several domestic violence charges.

Despite these incidents, he participated in training camp and was one of the team's captains in the preseason finale against the Minnesota Vikings. The NFL is currently investigating Cooper's situation, which may result in a lengthy suspension under the league's domestic violence policy. Cooper, a sixth-year pro, has started 52 consecutive games for the Broncos and is a crucial player for their defense, leading the league in sacks for the past two seasons.