CASTLE ROCK, Colo. – A judge on Thursday ordered the release of a criminal complaint in a sexual assault case against Denver Broncos cornerback Perrish Cox but said a second document must remain sealed for now.
The complaint was to be released later in the day after some information was redacted.
Police have not released any details of the alleged assault on Sept. 6.
Douglas County Judge Susanna Meissner-Cutler made the ruling in response to handwritten motions filed by reporters from The Associated Press, The Denver Post and The New York Times.
Criminal complaints usually include basic information including the defendant's name and charges, but few other details.
The judge said an affidavit used to obtain the arrest warrant should remain sealed because the case is still under investigation. The affidavit often includes more details of the alleged crime.
Such documents are normally available to the public but were sealed in Cox's case.
Meissner-Cutler told prosecutors to keep her informed on the status of the investigation so she could determine when the affidavit can be released. Prosecutor Bob Chappell told Meissner-Cutler he'll provide the update by the next court hearing scheduled for Jan. 7.
Cox was arrested Dec. 9 and is free on $50,000 bail. If convicted, he could face a sentence of two years to life in prison.
The alleged assault was reported a few days after Cox was knocked out of a game against Oakland on Oct. 24 with a concussion.
He could face a four-game suspension from the NFL next season for violating the league's personal conduct code. Commissioner Roger Goodell doesn't need a player's conviction to punish him.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.