Denver Broncos linebackers coach Michael Wilhoite is facing serious legal trouble after allegedly punching a police officer in the face at Denver International Airport on Sunday before being Tasered and arrested.
New details have emerged shedding light on the incident that led to Wilhoite being charged with felony assault.
According to court records obtained by The Denver Post, the altercation began when Wilhoite parked his Ford Bronco in the airport’s drop-off lane and left the vehicle unattended.
A uniformed officer approached Wilhoite and informed him that he could not leave his car unattended, according to a police affidavit cited by The Post.
Wilhoite allegedly responded aggressively, telling the officer to “shut the (expletive) up” twice before physically confronting him.
The report states that Wilhoite “bumped his chest” into the officer, prompting the officer to push him back.
Wilhoite then allegedly punched the officer in the face, causing him to fall to the ground.
As Wilhoite returned to his vehicle, the officer deployed his Taser, striking him near the left hip. The jolt reportedly stunned Wilhoite momentarily, but he still managed to drive away.
The officer suffered “visible injuries” to his knees and experienced pain in his jaw, according to the affidavit.
Wilhoite was later arrested, and his bond was set at $5,000.
Following the incident, the Broncos acknowledged the situation but refrained from making any definitive statements.
“We are aware of a situation involving Michael Wilhoite that occurred Sunday and are in the process of gathering more information,” the organization told 9News Denver.
The 37-year-old Wilhoite has been a part of Sean Payton’s coaching staff since February 2023.
Before his coaching career, he played six seasons in the NFL, primarily with the San Francisco 49ers, after going undrafted out of Washburn University.
He was a member of the 49ers’ special teams unit in Super Bowl XLVII, where the team fell to the Baltimore Ravens.
Wilhoite remained with San Francisco through 2016 before playing his final NFL season with the Seattle Seahawks in 2017.
Over his career, he recorded 298 tackles, four interceptions, and one fumble recovery across 79 games.
Following his playing days, Wilhoite transitioned into coaching, starting as a special teams assistant with the New Orleans Saints in 2019.
Wilhoite later served as a defensive assistant before taking on a linebackers coaching role with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he helped develop players like Drue Tranquill.
After being let go by the Chargers in January 2023, he joined Denver’s coaching staff a month later.
Needless to say, the Broncos and the NFL will continue to monitor the matter closely.
What are your thoughts on the wild situation???
