DENVER (KDVR) — The Denver Broncos fired outside linebackers coach Michael Wilhoite after he was charged for allegedly punching a Denver police officer at Denver International Airport on Feb. 23.
Wilhoite, 38, was arrested at the Denver International Airport and three days later, the Denver District Attorney's Office announced he is facing charges of second-degree assault of a peace officer, obstructing a peace officer and criminal mischief.
FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get Broncos, Nuggets, Rockies and more sports newsBroncos Coach Sean Payton confirmed the coach's firing in a text with FOX31.
"After thorough discussions as an organization, I met with Michael Wilhoite and informed him we have decided to part ways," Payton said. "We recognize the serious nature of the allegations against him and belive this is the best course of action at this time.
"I appreciate Michael's contributions to the Broncos and am confident he will move forward in a positive direction," Payton said.
According to an arrest affidavit from Denver police outlining why the coach was arrested, Wilhoite pulled into DIA’s departure area at about 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 23, and left his vehicle unattended in the active loading and unloading area of the departure zone. When he returned to his car, Wilhoite was confronted by a uniformed Denver Police Department officer who was working the curb.
The officer told Wilhoite that he could not leave his car unattended there, according to the probable cause statement, and Wilhoite allegedly responded “shut the (expletive) up.” The statement said the officer repeated his prior statement, and Wilhoite cursed at him again.
The incident escalated when Wilhoite approached the officer “aggressively” and bumped into him with his chest, according to the probable cause statement. The officer allegedly shoved Wilhoite, and Wilhoite then punched the officer in the face.
The affidavit said the officer had visibly injured knees and moderate pain in his jaw. The statement also noted that the officer ended up using his Taser and striking Wilhoite as he got into his car and drove away. An hour later, Wilhoite was arrested.
He was released on a $500 cash bond.
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