Broncos excuse outside linebacker from minicamp after two arrests

The Denver Broncos excused outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper from their mandatory minicamp this week after he was arrested twice in a seven-day span on multiple domestic violence charges, including one felony. Cooper, 28, practiced during the team's organized team activities the previous two weeks.

He was first arrested June 4 by police in Parker, Colorado, after an argument and confrontation with his girlfriend. One of the charges from that arrest was upgraded to felony second-degree assault on Wednesday.

Second arrest and court appearance Cooper was arrested again on Thursday on multiple charges that included harassment. His girlfriend was also arrested on June 4, but her single charge of criminal mischief was dropped Tuesday. Cooper appeared in court on Friday and was released on a personal recognizance bond.

He was ordered to abide by a strict no-contact protection order and must obtain prior court approval for any travel outside Colorado.

Team and league response "He's taking this time, obviously, he's got to work on himself," Broncos coach Sean Payton said after Tuesday's practice. "The club is very much in tuned to the league office, local authorities here, and we've had several meetings.

" The Broncos opened their mandatory minicamp on Tuesday. It is scheduled to run through Thursday. Cooper's charges from both arrests have been combined into one felony case with a disposition hearing set for July 24. A league spokesman said last week the NFL was monitoring the case.

Cooper also could face a suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy.