Ex-Broncos coach Michael Wilhoite, who was fired for allegedly punching a police officer in the face outside of Denver International Airport last month, will not be able to avoid a criminal conviction through a diversion program.
Denver District Attorney’s Office spokesperson Matt Jablow said Tuesday that Wilhoite was being considered for the program, but announced Thursday morning that the officer Wilhoite is accused of punching would not agree to diversion and that the case would proceed in district court.
The diversion program is an “alternative to the traditional court process” for adults and juveniles with no criminal history, according to the Denver DA’s Office. People are assigned to different programs based on their case, but they focus on rehabilitation through treatment, therapy and other interventions.
If diversion is complete and all restitution is paid, the case is sealed. Otherwise, people are prosecuted on their original charges.
Wilhoite, a 38-year-old who spent the last two football seasons as outside linebackers coach for the Broncos, faces a felony second-degree assault charge, a misdemeanor charge of obstructing a police officer and a petty offense charge of criminal mischief, according to court records.
In late February, Wilhoite allegedly punched a uniformed officer in the face in DIA’s drop-off line after the officer told Wilhoite he could not leave his vehicle unattended.
The former Broncos coach told the officer to “Shut the (expletive) up” twice and “bumped his chest,” according to his arrest affidavit. The officer shoved Wilhoite back, which is when Wilhoite punched the man, police said.
The officer also fired his Taser at Wilhoite, shocking him for a few seconds before he got into his car and drove away, police said in the affidavit.
Wilhoite is next scheduled to appear in Denver County Court for a second advisement hearing on May 6. It’s not clear when his case will move to Denver District Court.
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Originally Published: March 13, 2025 at 12:40 PM MDT