Denver Broncos outside linebackers coach Michael Wilhoite was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer, according to Denver Sheriff’s Department records released on Monday.
Wilhoite, 38, was taken into custody at 3:25 p.m. local time on Sunday and remains in the downtown detention center without bond. He was scheduled for a court appearance on Monday to face charges of second-degree assault on a peace officer.
The Broncos issued a statement, saying, “We are aware of a situation involving Michael Wilhoite that occurred Sunday and are in the process of gathering more information.”
A police probable cause statement revealed that an officer at Denver International Airport observed Wilhoite leaving his gray 2021 Ford Bronco unattended in a lane in the departure area. When Wilhoite returned to his vehicle, the officer informed him that he could not leave the car unattended.
Wilhoite allegedly responded by telling the officer to “shut the [expletive] up,” according to the statement. After the officer reiterated that the car could not be left unattended, Wilhoite repeated his expletive. He then allegedly bumped the officer in the chest, prompting the officer to push him back. Wilhoite then allegedly punched the officer in the face, causing the officer to fall to the ground. The officer used a taser in response, but Wilhoite managed to drive away.
Wilhoite became the Broncos’ outside linebackers coach in 2023. He previously worked for the Los Angeles Chargers and New Orleans Saints, and played six years in the NFL for the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks.
