Broncos hearth OLB coach Michael Wilhoite after alleged assault
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Jeff Legwold
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos fired exterior linebackers coach Michael Wilhoite on Wednesday, simply over per week after he was arrested for allegedly punching a police officer at Denver Worldwide Airport.
“After thorough discussions as a company, I met with Michael Wilhoite and knowledgeable him we have now determined to half methods,” Broncos head coach Sean Payton mentioned in a ready assertion. “We acknowledge the intense nature of the allegations towards him and imagine that is the perfect plan of action presently. I respect Michael’s contributions to the Broncos and am assured he’ll transfer ahead in a optimistic route.”
When requested final week on the scouting mix about Wilhoite’s arrest, Payton mentioned the Broncos had been involved with legislation enforcement officers and the NFL in regards to the incident and that he and the crew would comply with “correct protocols and channels” earlier than a choice was made about Wilhoite’s future.
The 38-year-old Wilhoite, in accordance with court docket information, was arrested Feb. 23 for allegedly punching a police officer after Wilhoite had been informed he couldn’t depart his Ford Bronco unattended in a drop-off lane at airport. Wilhoite, in accordance with paperwork, informed the officer to “shut the f— up” and bumped his chest into the officer. When the officer pushed him, Wilhoite punched the officer within the face and the officer fell to the bottom, the paperwork mentioned.
The officer used a taser on Wilhoite, who then drove away. The officer was listed with accidents to his knees, wrist and jaw.
Wilhoite was taken to the Denver jail later that day and had a court docket listening to on Feb. 24. He was formally charged with second-degree assault on a police officer, obstruction of a peace officer and felony mischief.
Wilhoite had been on Payton’s employees with the New Orleans Saints in 2019 and 2020. He had been on the Broncos’ employees for the previous two seasons. Wilhoite performed six seasons in NFL — 5 for the San Francisco 49ers and one for the Seattle Seahawks.
