Ex-Broncos coach will proceed to court for alleged police assault at airport: DA's office
DENVER (KDVR) — The case of now-fired Broncos linebacker coach Michael Wilhoite accused of assaulting a police officer will proceed to court after the victim did not agree to a proposed diversion program.
Wilhoite is facing charges of assaulting a peace officer, obstructing a peace officer and criminal mischief, but the Denver District Attorney's Office on Wednesday had said he was being considered for a diversion program alternative to the traditional court process.
A Denver District Attorney spokesperson confirmed to FOX31 in an email Thursday morning 'the victim in the case will not agree to Diversion for Wilhoite so the case will now proceed in District Court.'
The diversion program is a rehabilitation-focused program that includes treatment services and teaching skills that work to prevent further contact with law enforcement.
Previous: Ex-Broncos coach Michael Wilhoite could avoid prosecuation after alleged police assault
The victim's refusal for Wilhoite to go to this program means Wilhoit is now due back in court on May 6.
Wilhoite was arrested after he allegedly punched an officer on Feb. 23 at Denver International Airport when that officer confronted him for leaving his car unattended in the drop-off area, according to an affidavit filed in the case.
The officer told the then-assistant coach that he couldn't park in that area, to which Wilhoite allegedly responded 'shut the (expletive) up,' according to the probable cause statement. Wilhoite then allegedly approached the officer and bumped into him with his chest, and the officer shoved Wilhoite.
Wilhoite punched the officer in the face. As Wilhoite was getting into his car to drive away, the officer used his Taser and struck Wilhoite, according to the probable cause statement. Police arrested Wilhoite about an hour later.
Wilhoite joined the Broncos' staff in 2023 after working for head coach Sean Payton in New Orleans in 2019 to 2020. Payton confirmed with FOX31 that Wilhoite was later fired after the alleged assault.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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