Former Arizona Cardinals vice president Terry McDonough accuses franchise owner Michael Bidwill of “gross misconduct, including fraud, discrimination and harassment” in an arbitration filed with Commissioner Roger Goodell.

Former Arizona Cardinals vice president Terry McDonough has accused franchise owner Michael Bidwill of “gross misconduct, including fraud, discrimination and harassment” in an arbitration filed with Commissioner Roger Goodell. This is reported by “ESPN”.

McDonough alleged that he and former head coach Steve Wilks were forced to follow Bidwill’s plan and use disposable mobile phones to communicate with former general manager Steve Keim while he was serving a five-week suspension for drunk driving.

Rather, McDonough stressed that he still owned the phone, which he said contained the evidence of the cheating scandal, as well as additional evidence.

Arizona Cardinals contradict allegations

In a lengthy statement to “ESPN”, the Cardinals strongly denied the allegations, calling them “hair-raising”.

“We reluctantly feel compelled to provide a public response and broader context for some disappointing and irresponsible actions by Terry McDonough,” Cardinals outside public relations consultant Jim McCarthy said in a statement.

“The allegations he made in arbitration are simply false, reckless and an opportunistic ploy for financial gain,” McCarthy said.

“Our position was consistent with the many efforts we made to accommodate Terry during his time with the team, despite the difficulties in his personal life and his often erratic behaviour towards colleagues,” McCarthy said in his statement.

“We are therefore saddened that Terry is now lashing out at our organisation with slurs and threats that are out of proportion to the facts. This unnecessary and vindictive action by Terry was aimed at smearing his staff, our owner Michael Bidwill and our team with hair-trigger accusations,” it continued.