Judge Dismisses Defamation Claims Against Cardinals by Former Executive and Family

Judge Dismisses Defamation Claims by Former Cardinals Executive

In a significant legal development, a federal judge in Arizona has dismissed defamation claims brought by former Arizona Cardinals executive Terry McDonough, along with his wife and daughter, against the team, its law firm, and its public relations firm. This decision, handed down on Thursday, marks a pivotal moment in a saga that has been closely watched by many in the sports world.

Judge Dominic Lanza, presiding over the district court, not only dismissed the defamation claims but also granted a motion to compel arbitration made by the law firm and PR firm involved. This effectively removes McDonough’s claims from federal court, steering them towards arbitration instead.

To provide some context, last year, an NFL arbitrator had ordered the Cardinals to pay nearly $3 million to McDonough. The arbitrator, Jeffrey Mishkin, who was appointed by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, found that the Cardinals had defamed McDonough in a CounterPoint Statement. This statement accused McDonough of “extreme domestic violence” and alleged that he “abandoned responsibility” for his daughter and “cut her off financially.”

Despite this previous ruling, McDonough’s additional claims for unlawful retaliation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and invasion of privacy were dismissed. Initially, McDonough had sought up to $125 million in total damages, a figure that underscores the gravity of the allegations and the potential impact on his reputation and career.

Following the arbitrator’s decision, McDonough, along with his wife Lynette and daughter Caroline, filed a lawsuit alleging defamation and other related claims against the Cardinals, their external law firm Gallagher & Kennedy, and their external PR firm Counterpoint. However, Judge Lanza determined that these claims were unwarranted, effectively closing this chapter of the legal battle.

The Cardinals responded to the ruling with a statement expressing satisfaction with the outcome. “We are pleased with the arbitrator’s decision dismissing all of Terry McDonough’s employment claims and finding that there was nothing improper about his dismissal from the team,” the statement read. “As for Mr. McDonough’s other claim, we respect the arbitrator’s determination that our initial statement went too far. We accept responsibility for that statement and are grateful that the arbitration is now resolved.”

For those unfamiliar with McDonough’s background, he worked for the Cardinals’ front office for a decade, including several years as vice president of player personnel. His tenure with the team was marked by significant contributions, making the legal proceedings all the more noteworthy.

Key Points to Consider:

• The federal judge dismissed defamation claims by Terry McDonough and his family against the Arizona Cardinals and associated firms.
• The motion to compel arbitration was granted, removing the claims from federal court.
• Previously, an NFL arbitrator ordered the Cardinals to pay nearly $3 million to McDonough for defamation.
• McDonough’s additional claims for unlawful retaliation and emotional distress were dismissed.
• The Cardinals expressed satisfaction with the dismissal of employment claims and acknowledged the arbitrator’s decision on their initial statement.

This case has certainly been a rollercoaster, with twists and turns that have kept fans and legal experts alike on the edge of their seats. As the dust settles, it remains to be seen what the long-term implications will be for McDonough and the Cardinals. For now, the focus shifts back to the field, where the Cardinals will aim to put this legal distraction behind them and concentrate on their performance in the NFL.