Denver Broncos outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper and his girlfriend Jade Fiegen were both arrested Thursday night following a physical altercation at Cooper’s Denver-area residence that began with an argument over allegations of infidelity, according to police records and an arrest affidavit.
Fiegen told officers she confronted Cooper about cheating. During the dispute, she threw his phone against the wall and took it to read messages. She alleged that as she tried to leave, Cooper grabbed her by the neck with one hand, lifted her off her feet and pinned her against the wall for about one minute while he retrieved the phone. She said he then threw her to the ground three times, punched the wall next to her face, grabbed her and pulled her toward the floor. Fiegen told police she was “unable to get up” at one point. She also said Cooper threatened to break her phone if she did not leave and then put the device in his mouth, damaging it. She noted the phone contained irreplaceable messages and voice notes from her late mother, which Cooper was aware of. Fiegen said she did not lose consciousness and did not see spots during the incident.
Cooper gave officers a different account. He said he held Fiegen by her arms to get his phone back and later braced his neck against hers to stop her from taking it again. He admitted to officers that he damaged her phone by putting it in his mouth.
A responding officer observed a small mark on Fiegen’s neck, a cut on her hand and scratches on her arm. However, police noted the injuries did not appear consistent with the level of assault Fiegen described. She was transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation by a forensic nurse examiner.
Both Cooper and Fiegen were booked on misdemeanor charges of domestic violence and criminal mischief. The criminal mischief counts stem from the damage each caused to the other’s phone during the struggle. In domestic violence cases involving mutual physical contact, admitted property damage and conflicting statements, officers frequently arrest both parties when probable cause exists for each individual. Courts then determine the facts and any appropriate charges or protections.
Cooper, who recorded eight sacks and 50 tackles last season as a key pass rusher for the Broncos, appeared in Douglas County court Friday morning. He was released on a personal recognizance bond. His next court date is a disposition hearing Monday at 10 a.m. Fiegen was also booked into jail on the same charges. Cooper is represented by Denver attorney Harvey Steinberg.
The Denver Broncos and the NFL are aware of the situation and are monitoring developments.
The conflicting accounts and minor injuries noted by police will likely be central to any further legal proceedings. No additional details about prior incidents in the relationship were included in the initial reports.
Flip the pages for the photos if Fiegen.
