Former NFL Player and Broncos Coach Involved in Dispute at Denver Airport
Michael Wilhoite, the outside linebackers coach for the Denver Broncos, found himself in a serious legal predicament on Sunday when he was arrested and charged with felony assault for allegedly assaulting a police officer at Denver International Airport. The 38-year-old Wilhoite, known for his tenacity on the field and in coaching, now faces significant consequences that could impact his career and reputation.
The Incident at the Airport
According to court records, the incident unfolded when Wilhoite parked his vehicle in the arrivals drop-off lane at Denver International Airport. This area is typically designated for short-term passenger drop-offs and is not intended for unattended vehicles. A uniformed police officer, tasked with maintaining order in the area, approached Wilhoite upon his return to the car and informed him that leaving his vehicle unattended was not permitted. Wilhoite’s response was anything but calm; he allegedly told the officer to "shut the f*** up" twice, escalating the situation. The tension grew as Wilhoite confronted the officer, bumping his chest in a show of aggression.
The Confrontation Turns Physical
The altercation took a violent turn when Wilhoite allegedly punched the officer in the face. The officer, in an effort to subdue Wilhoite, used his taser, which struck Wilhoite on his left hip and side. Wilhoite, despite being momentarily incapacitated by the taser, managed to get back into his vehicle and drive away. The officer sustained visible injuries, including knee bruises and jaw pain, which were documented in the court records.
Legal and Professional Consequences
Wilhoite was later apprehended and booked into Denver County Jail with a $5,000 bond. He appeared in court the following morning to face the felony assault charges. The Broncos organization quickly issued a statement, acknowledging the incident and indicating that they are gathering more information. The incident has not only brought negative attention to Wilhoite but also to the Broncos, a team known for its strong community presence and player conduct.
A Career in Football
Michael Wilhoite’s journey in football is marked by both playing and coaching achievements. He spent six years in the NFL, playing for the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks. In the 2011 season, Wilhoite moved from the 49ers’ practice squad to the active roster, contributing to the team’s special teams during their run to Super Bowl 47. After his playing career, Wilhoite transitioned into coaching, first as a special teams assistant with the New Orleans Saints, where he worked with current Denver coach Sean Payton. He then spent two seasons as a linebackers coach with the Los Angeles Chargers before joining the Broncos’ defensive staff under coordinator Vance Joseph.
Impact and Future
The legal and professional implications of Wilhoite’s actions are significant. As a coach, his role involves not only developing players but also setting an example of professionalism and integrity. The Broncos, like any professional organization, are likely to conduct a thorough review of the incident and may take disciplinary action. Wilhoite’s future with the team remains uncertain, and the incident serves as a stark reminder of the repercussions of violence and aggression, especially for those in positions of influence. The football community will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds and what lessons can be learned from this unfortunate incident.
