Denver Broncos outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper said Wednesday he had "no excuses" and holds himself accountable, days after the NFL removed him from the commissioner exempt list. Cooper was arrested twice in a seven-day span in June on domestic violence charges and had been unable to practice or play in the Broncos' first six games of the season.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell lifted the exemption Friday after Cooper's trial was moved from November to March. Cooper returned to practice Wednesday. Asked what he would tell fans, particularly women, as he returns to the field, he said relationships were difficult but that he apologized for anyone's feelings and understood the seriousness of the matters.
Cooper faces a felony charge of second-degree assault by strangulation and three misdemeanors, including violating a protection order. The felony charge followed a forensic examination of his girlfriend by a nurse, whose report described a physical injury from being choked that carried a substantial risk of death or injury, including possible traumatic brain injury. The NFL said its review of his case remains ongoing and could still lead to league discipline under its personal conduct policy.
Broncos coach Sean Payton has deferred to the league's investigation and the legal process. Payton said the team set guidelines for Cooper after the arrests, including therapy, and has said Cooper has done "the work" off the field. Cooper said the process is continuous and would keep improving.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing