Terry McDonough, a former executive with the Arizona Cardinals, is facing allegations of simple assault after reportedly choking a neighbor. He is scheduled to appear in court on April 11 to address these charges.
Court documents from Mecklenburg County detail the incident, which occurred on March 12. According to a report filed by the neighbor, McDonough initiated physical contact by chest-bumping him before proceeding to place his hands around the neighbor’s neck in an attempt to choke him. During the altercation, McDonough allegedly hurled obscenities and derogatory terms.
The incident apparently stemmed from a dispute over tractor equipment that had caused damage to McDonough’s lawn, as stated in a criminal affidavit submitted by the alleged victim.
In addition to recounting the incident, the neighbor expressed concerns about Terry McDonough’s past behavior, citing a purported history of volatile actions. The neighbor also referenced McDonough’s involvement in a nationally publicized case with the Arizona Cardinals. According to the neighbor, McDonough allegedly attempted to strangle him without any provocation, leading to feelings of insecurity for both himself and his family.
Terry McDonough filed an arbitration claim against the Arizona Cardinals in April of last year, alleging that team owner Michael Bidwill engaged in unethical behavior.
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McDonough asserts that he faced demotion after raising objections to a proposed plan involving the use of “burner phones” to evade the 2018 suspension of then-General Manager Steve Keim. Keim had been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) at the time.
In response to Terry McDonough’s demand for arbitration, the Arizona Cardinals have denied any liability for the claims made against them. Team owner Michael Bidwill asserted that McDonough’s own erratic behavior ultimately harmed his career.
The Cardinals pointed to multiple instances of what they described as McDonough’s volatile conduct. One example cited by the team was a text message exchange in which McDonough apologized to Bidwill following a confrontation.
McDonough had a lengthy tenure with the Cardinals’ front office, spanning 10 seasons, during which he held the position of vice president of player personnel for several years.