Denver Broncos outside linebackers coach Michael Wilhoite was arrested Sunday on suspicion of second-degree assault after a confrontation with a police officer at Denver International Airport. Jail records confirm he was booked with a $5,000 bond set Monday. The incident raises questions about accountability for NFL coaching staff amid the team’s recent resurgence.
According to a police affidavit, Wilhoite left his vehicle unattended in the airport’s drop-off lane. When a uniformed officer instructed him to move the truck, Wilhoite reportedly responded aggressively. “The officer stated Wilhoite told him to ‘shut up’ before chest-bumping him,” the document reads. The altercation escalated when Wilhoite allegedly punched the officer, knocking him to the ground.
“These routine interactions should never turn violent. The court takes this seriously,”Magistrate Arnie Beckman remarked during Monday’s hearing. The Broncos issued a brief statement acknowledging the situation but withheld further comment pending investigation.
Key details about the incident include:
- Wilhoite attempted to drive away before being subdued with a Taser.
- He faces a felony charge, which could carry up to 5 years in prison.
- The Broncos’ 2023 record-breaking defense now faces scrutiny under his coaching.
Wilhoite, a former NFL linebacker, joined Denver’s staff in 2023 after working with head coach Sean Payton in New Orleans. His arrest comes as the Broncos seek to build momentum following their first playoff appearance in eight years. Legal experts suggest the case could influence NFL conduct policies for non-player personnel.
