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

Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper was placed on the NFL’s Commissioner Exempt List Sunday, keeping him from practicing or playing as he faces charges stemming from two June arrests. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy confirmed the move to the Denver Gazette, saying Cooper may not practice or attend games while on the list. The designation came before Denver’s 53-man roster deadline, removing him from the active roster count. Cooper, 28, is scheduled for an arraignment Monday in Douglas County on charges of felony second-degree assault by strangulation, according to court records and local reporting. He was also charged with harassment and violating a protection order after his second arrest. Cooper has pleaded not guilty to the original misdemeanor charges. The NFL is reviewing the case under its Personal Conduct Policy. The exempt-list placement is administrative and does not establish guilt or constitute a final suspension. Cooper started Denver’s preseason game Friday.