The former Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Jonathon Cooper was arrested for a second time on Thursday, June 11, eight days after his first domestic violence booking on June 4.

"Cooper was arrested and jailed Thursday night again after being accused of violating a protection order related to his arrest the previous week," reported 247 Sports.

Authorities booked Cooper into the Douglas County Sheriff's Office Detention Facility at 10:07 p.m. on June 11, with a court appearance scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Friday, June 12.

Cooper pleaded not guilty Monday to misdemeanor domestic violence allegations in a Douglas County courtroom. By Wednesday, court records showed he was also facing a felony charge, as per 247 Sports, and a misdemeanor third-degree assault charge.

Following the addition of new charges, including felony second-degree assault by strangulation, a protection order was issued for Cooper's girlfriend.

Authorities allege Cooper did not adhere to the terms of the protection order. Per the arrest affidavit, he sent 20 messages, made two unanswered calls, and later went to his girlfriend's apartment, leaving after she dialed 911.

"In all, Cooper now faces five separate charges: Second-degree assault - strangulation, Third-degree assault - knowingly or recklessly causing injury, Criminal mischief - $300-$1,000, Violating a protective order, Harassment - repeated telephone calls," as per Mike Klis from 9News.

Meanwhile, Cooper's lawyer said the upgraded felony charges were unexpected, citing what he described as a lack of supporting evidence in the initial police findings.

Jonathon Cooper Faces Stiff Legal Restrictions

Magistrate Mark Solomon released Cooper on a $5,000 personal recognizance bond on Friday. But the court imposed strict rules.

He has to stay 50 feet away from his ex-girlfriend. As he is facing five separate criminal charges, he will have to get court approval before traveling outside of Colorado.

Cooper's upcoming summer schedule is heavily packed, featuring critical motions hearings on July 6 and July 14. His official jury trial is set for July 22. This likely collides with the opening week of Denver Broncos training camp.

“We are disappointed to learn of Jonathon Cooper’s arrest on Thursday and continue to review this matter,”  the Denver Broncos have stated.

Cooper signed a four-year, $60 million extension with Denver in 2024. Now, the NFL Personal Conduct Policy looms large.

Cooper played for the Buckeyes from 2016 to 2020. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2021 and has started in all 17 games of the regular season for Denver in the last three seasons. And combined for a total of 180 tackles, 27 sacks, and 49 quarterback hits in that period.

What do you think about this legal situation surrounding Jonathon Cooper? Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by

Nisarga Aseem Barkule

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar