Broncos start summer workouts as LB Jonathon Cooper returns

The Denver Broncos opened their summer workouts on Wednesday, July 29, with linebacker Jonathon Cooper returning to the field amid serious legal troubles and the team rehiring a defensive assistant who had been fired after an airport altercation. Cooper, 28, is facing multiple domestic violence charges from two arrests in June and is scheduled for an arraignment on August 31.

Head coach Sean Payton addressed Cooper’s participation, stating the team is following league and club protocols. He described Cooper as having been fantastic working away from the building and said the organization is supportive while being aware of the seriousness of the allegations. Cooper was excused from the team’s mandatory minicamp in June following his second arrest but has now reported for the start of training camp activities.

According to court documents, Cooper was first arrested on June 4 in Parker, Colorado, following a physical confrontation with his girlfriend. Prosecutors later added a felony charge of second-degree assault by strangulation and granted the woman a protection order. A week later, Cooper was arrested a second time for allegedly violating that order by sending messages and...