SouthernWorldwide.com – In a surprising turn of events, Denver Broncos edge rusher Jonathon Cooper has broken his silence following a domestic violence arrest, issuing an apology that has raised eyebrows. This is a rare occurrence, especially for an NFL player who typically has legal counsel advising them to remain silent.
Cooper took to his Instagram account to share a lengthy Bible scripture as part of his Stories. This action, given the serious allegations against him, has been described as unusual.
He then followed up with a direct apology for his alleged actions.
Cooper was arrested in Colorado around 11 p.m. on Thursday. He was held overnight on charges including two counts of domestic violence and one count of criminal mischief. The incident involved his girlfriend, who was also arrested on a domestic violence charge.
Cooper, a player in his sixth season with 31.5 career sacks, appeared in a Douglas County courtroom on Friday morning accompanied by his attorney, Harvey Steinberg. A plea hearing has been tentatively scheduled for Monday. The 6-foot-5, 251-pound player was released on his own recognizance.
In the interim, Cooper issued his apology.
He posted Bible verses on his Instagram Stories that address anger. He then added a personal message alongside the scriptures.
“I realize posting a Bible. (sic) Quote right after something very serious happens does not just mean everything is okay,” Cooper posted. “I apologize to my family, to my friends and my community.
And so many others.”
Cooper further stated in another story, “I apologize. This situation is not who I am.”
The specific scripture Cooper highlighted was Ephesians 4:26-32.
The passage begins with, “Do not let your anger lead you into sin, and do not let the sun go down on your anger.”
Verses 31 and 32, which were also highlighted, read: “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
Legal experts suggest that this social media post could present a challenge for Cooper’s legal defense if the case proceeds to trial. Prosecutors might potentially use the apology as evidence, arguing to a jury that individuals who are not guilty have no reason to apologize.
It remains to be seen how this will unfold, as many such cases do not progress far beyond the initial charges. This is even rarer when both parties involved are arrested on domestic abuse charges, as was the situation in this incident.
According to the arrest affidavit, Cooper and his girlfriend were arguing over allegations of cheating.
The girlfriend reportedly grabbed Cooper’s phone, threw it, and then attempted to access its contents. Cooper allegedly engaged in some form of physical contact with her as he attempted to retrieve his phone, according to the affidavit.
The affidavit also includes statements from the girlfriend alleging that Cooper lifted her by the throat. However, the responding officer concluded that a “small mark on [her] neck did not appear to be consistent with the claim [she] had been held up in the air by her throat by another individual.”
Conflicting accounts from both Cooper and his girlfriend, along with a lack of visible bruises, scratches, or other credible evidence of physical contact, led the responding officer to determine there was “no probable cause for harassment or assault charges.”
Cooper did, however, admit to causing “disabling damage” to his girlfriend’s phone by biting it, an admission noted as peculiar.
Both the Denver Broncos organization and the NFL are reportedly aware of the incident.
