Former Arizona Cardinals executive Terry McDonough has filed a lawsuit against team owner Michael Bidwill and others for defamatory statements made in a press release last year. An NFL arbitrator recently ruled in favor of McDonough, awarding him a $3 million judgment after finding the Cardinals had made false and malicious statements. McDonough’s attorney criticized the arbitration process but noted McDonough’s historic win against an NFL owner.
Although McDonough’s claims of unlawful retaliation, emotional distress, and invasion of privacy were dismissed, the arbitrator acknowledged the Cardinals’ use of burner phones to communicate during a suspension period. McDonough alleged retaliation from Bidwill after opposing a scheme involving burner phones to bypass a suspension served by then-general manager Steve Keim in 2018.
The lawsuit targets Bidwill, the Cardinals, public relations firm Counterpoint Strategies, executive Jim McCarthy, law firm Gallagher & Kennedy, and lawyer Donald Peder Johnson. McCarthy allegedly aimed to tarnish McDonough’s reputation by seeking damaging information, including allegations of domestic violence, infidelity, and drug use.
The Cardinals admitted their initial statement went too far but expressed satisfaction with the dismissal of certain charges. The statement last year accused McDonough of domestic violence and abandonment, allegations later disproved in arbitration. McDonough’s wife and daughter are also plaintiffs in the new lawsuit.
Despite the arbitrator’s ruling, Bidwill has not faced repercussions from the NFL for his actions. The lawsuit raises questions about accountability within the league regarding owner behavior. McDonough’s case represents a notable victory against an NFL owner, signaling potential shifts in addressing defamation and misconduct within the league.
