DENVER BRONCOS
Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos coach arrested: Michael Wilhoite is in jail for assaulting police officer

Authorities reported the incident Sunday night at the Denver airport.

Michael Wilhoite just gave the Denver Broncos another headache.
Michael Wilhoite just gave the Denver Broncos another headache.LAPRESSE

The Denver Broncos just got some bad news. As the team prepares for free agency, the draft, and offseason work, a legal issue rocked the coaching staff when linebackers coach Michael Wilhoite got into trouble with the law.

Wilhoite arrived in Denver in 2023 as part of head coach Sean Peyton's staff. The six-year coach began his career with the extinct UFL's Omaha Nighthawks in 2011 and that same year landed a contract as an undrafted free agent with the San Francisco 49ers.

After five seasons with the Niners, Wilhoite played one more year with the Seattle Seahawks and began his coaching career with Peyton's New Orleans Saints in 2019. In 2021, he became the linebackers coach for the Los Angeles Chargers, and in 2023, he reunited with Peyton with the Broncos.

Wilhoite is in trouble with the law

According to a report from 9 News in Denver, local authorities arrested Wilhoite on charges of second-degree assault on a police officer stemming from an altercation at Denver International Airport.

In his affidavit, the officer involved in the altercation explained that Wilhoite had left his truck double-parked unattended. When the officer told the coach that he could not leave the vehicle unattended, Wilhoite swore at him twice and then chest-bumped him.

The officer pushed Wilhoite back, and that's when the coach punched him to the ground. The officer used his Taser, but Wilhoite resisted the shock, got into his vehicle, and drove away. Sources did not explain how Wilhoite was eventually taken into custody.

Broncos statement

Following the incident, the Denver 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."

The former player was taken to the downtown jail Sunday night and appeared in Denver County Court Monday morning. Magistrate Arnie Beckman set bail at $500.

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