Denver Broncos defensive end De'Von Cooper was arraigned on a misdemeanor domestic‑violence charge after police responded to a dispute with his longtime girlfriend on Thursday night. Both parties were also charged with criminal mischief, but the two affidavits describe very different versions of what transpired. Cooper entered a not‑guilty plea and a jury trial is slated for July 22, just weeks before the Broncos’ training camp opens.

July 5 Arrest:Both Cooper and Girlfriend Charged with Criminal Mischief

According to the police affidavit, the incident began after an argument in which the girlfriend accused Cooper of infidelity and seized his phone, throwing it across the room.. Cooper told officers he grabbed her upper arm, restrained her neck, and threatened to destroy the phone if she did not leave his apartment. the affidavit notes that Cooper allegedly bit the phone after she refused to depart.

The girlfriend’s statement, however, claims Cooper seized her by the throat, lifted her against a wall, repeatedly threw her to the floor and punched the wall near her face.. Officers observed that her reported injuries did not fully align with the alleged physical actions, raising questions about the severity of the alleged assault .

Legal Timeline: Not‑Guilty Plea, Motions Hearing July 6, Trial July 22

Cooper entered a not‑guilty plea on Monday, and his attorney confirmed they will not seek to dismiss the charge, instead pushing for a swift jury trial. A motions hearing is scheduled for July 6, with the trial set to begin on July 22, a date that conflicts with the Broncos’ training camp start in the last week of July.

The Broncos organization issued a brief statement saying it is aware of the matter and is gathering more information. The team has not indicated any disciplinary action, leaving the player’s status for the upcoming season uncertain.

Career Stakes: Cooper’s $60 Million Extension and On‑Field Value

Cooper, a seventh‑round pick from Ohio State in 2021, signed a four‑year, $60 million extension in 2024 after posting 50 tackles and eight sacks last season, contributing to Denver’s franchise‑record 68 sacks. The pending legal case could affect his roster standing, especially with the Broncos evaluating talent ahead of training camp.

While the NFL’s personal‑conduct policy allows for league‑imposed discipline independent of criminal outcomes, the timing of the trial means the league could act before the season begins, potentially impacting the Broncos’ defensive plans.

Unresolved Details: Who Actually Injured the Phone and the Extent of Physical Harm?

The affidavit notes inconsistencies between the girlfriend’s injury claims and the physical evidence, leaving open whether the phone was truly damaged by Cooper’s bite or another cause.. Additionally, the precise nature of any bodily injury remains unclear, as medical records have not been released.

Both parties face petty‑level criminal‑mis­chief charges , but the domestic‑violence misdemeanor against Cooper carries more serious ramifications if convicted.