It comes as a result of an altercation in the departure area of Denver International Airport, according to a Denver Police probable cause statement obtained by NBC 9News in Denver.
Wilhoite appeared in court Monday, where he was advised of the charges. Court records show that bail was set at $5,000 bond or $500 cash. The coach opted for the cash option, posting the $500 and was later released.
USA TODAY Sports reached out to Wilhoite’s attorney for comment.
The incident occurred at the airport on Sunday when Wilhoite left his 2021 Ford Bronco unattended. Upon returning to the vehicle, an officer approached the coach, telling him he couldn’t leave the car like that.
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‘Shut the (expletive) up,’ Wilhoite told the officer, according to the probable cause statement. The officer repeated to Wilhoite that he could not leave his vehicle unattended and the coach had the same reply, proceeding to bump the officer in the chest.
The officer gave Wilhoite a return shove, resulting in the coach punching the officer, who fell to the ground.
Wilhoite proceeded to get back in his car when the officer used his Taser on the Broncos’ coach. After that, Wilhoite drove away and was later arrested.
‘We are aware of a situation involving Michael Wilhoite that occurred Sunday and are in the process of gathering more information,’ the Broncos said in a statement.
The coach just wrapped up his second season with the Broncos after joining Sean Payton’s staff ahead of the 2023 season. The 38-year-old previously worked for Payton in New Orleans as a defensive and special teams assistant from 2019-20. He then went on to coach linebackers for the Los Angeles Chargers from 2021-22 before rejoining Payton again.
Wilhoite played six seasons in the NFL after going undrafted out of Division II Washburn University, playing five seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and one year with the Seattle Seahawks.
Documents show Wilhoite is expected to appear in court again on March 10.
