The Denver Broncos fired outside linebackers coach Michael Wilhoite on Wednesday (March 5), one week after he was arrested for allegedly punching a police officer in the face before being tased and driving away from the drop-off lane at Denver International Airport on February 23.

"After thorough discussions as an organization, I met with Michael Wilhoite and informed him we have decided to part ways," Broncos head coach Sean Payton said in a prepared statement obtained by ESPN. "We recognize the serious nature of the allegations against him and believe 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.''

The alleged incident took place around 2:00 p.m. local time after Wilhoite left his 2021 Ford Bronco unattended outside the arrival terminal at the airport. A police officer warned Wilhoite that parking in the area was illegal, to which he responded "shut the f**k up," which he repeated after another warning from the officer.

Wilhoite then reportedly bumped into the officer in an "aggressive manner" with his chest, which led to the cop pushing him back, at which point the former linebacker punched him in the face, according to the affidavit. The officer reportedly fell to the ground, at which point Wilhoite walked back toward his vehicle and was tased on his left hip and side as he opened the door.

The taser's effects only lasted a few seconds and Wilhoite was able to drive away from the scene. The police officer reportedly suffered "visible injuries" to his knees and moderate jaw pain during the incident.

Wilhoite was held on a $5,000 bond and appeared in court on Monday. Wilhoite was hired by the Broncos after previously working as a linebackers coach for the AFC West Division rival Los Angeles Chargers in 2021 and 2022, having began his career as a special teams assistant for the New Orleans Saints in 2019 and being promoted to defensive assistant in 2020.

Wilhoite went undrafted in 2011 and played the entire 2011 UFL season with the Omaha Nighthawks before initially signing to the San Francisco 49ers' practice squad in December 2011, being waived before the start of the 2012 season and re-signing to the practice squad shortly after. The linebacker made 36 starts and appeared in 65 games for the Niners in five seasons, as well as nine starts and 14 appearances for the Seattle Seahawks during his six-year NFL career, recording 298 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 0.5 sacks.

Ed Lambert