Broncos' Cooper placed on NFL exempt list

Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper has been placed on the NFL's commissioner exempt list, the league announced Sunday, effectively sidelining the Pro Bowl pass rusher as he faces multiple domestic violence charges. The designation, which constitutes paid leave, means Cooper cannot participate in games or practices while the league investigates potential violations of its personal conduct policy. The move comes ahead of Cooper's scheduled arraignment on Monday in Douglas County, Colorado. The 28-year-old faces five charges stemming from two arrests in June involving his former girlfriend. The most serious is a felony count of second-degree assault by strangulation. He also faces misdemeanor charges of third-degree assault, criminal mischief, harassment, and violating a protection order. According to police affidavits, the initial incident occurred on June 4 in Parker, Colorado, following an argument and physical confrontation after the woman accused Cooper of infidelity. Cooper was arrested along with his girlfriend, though charges against her were later dropped. Prosecutors subsequently added charges against Cooper and granted the woman a protection order.