Former Arizona Cardinals front-office executive Terry McDonough is facing simple assault charges after allegedly choking his neighbor during a heated altercation. Court documents from Mecklenburg County reveal that the incident occurred on March 12, when McDonough reportedly chest-bumped the neighbor and proceeded to put his hands around the victim’s neck, attempting to choke him. McDonough was also heard shouting obscenities and derogatory terms during the incident.
According to the criminal affidavit filed by the alleged victim, McDonough’s anger stemmed from tractor equipment damaging his lawn. The neighbor further stated that McDonough has a history of volatile behavior and referenced his involvement in a high-profile case with the Arizona Cardinals, which received national attention. The victim expressed concerns for his family’s safety, emphasizing that the assault was unprovoked.
Efforts by The Associated Press to contact McDonough via phone calls and text messages have been unsuccessful thus far.
Last April, McDonough filed an arbitration claim against the Cardinals, accusing team owner Michael Bidwill of cheating. McDonough alleged that he was demoted after objecting to a scheme involving the use of “burner phones” to bypass the 2018 suspension of then-General Manager Steve Keim, who had been arrested for DUI. Bidwill, however, denied any liability on the part of the Cardinals, stating that McDonough’s erratic behavior had ultimately harmed his own career. The team cited various instances of McDonough’s volatile conduct, including a text exchange in which he apologized to Bidwill for a confrontation.
McDonough had served in the Cardinals’ front office for ten seasons, holding the position of vice president of player personnel for several years.