Arizona Cardinals Owner Michael Bidwill Accused of Discrimination and Wrongful Termination in Lawsuit
A Damaging Allegation Against a Prominent NFL Owner
The Arizona Cardinals, a prominent franchise in the National Football League (NFL), and its owner, Michael Bidwill, are facing a serious legal challenge. Brittany Neuheisel, a former assistant to Bidwill, has filed a lawsuit accusing him of wrongful termination, discrimination, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The case, filed in Maricopa County Superior Court, alleges a pattern of unethical behavior by Bidwill, including pressuring Neuheisel to resign to make way for a younger, more attractive hire. Neuheisel, a 54-year-old single mother and grandmother, worked for the Cardinals from 2019 until her resignation on January 28, 2024. She seeks unspecified damages to be determined by a jury.
Pressure to Engage in Unethical Actions
One of the most troubling allegations in the lawsuit involves Bidwill’s alleged instructions to Neuheisel to falsify federal and international disclosure records related to his private plane travels. According to the complaint, Bidwill also pressured her to ignore restrictions on shipping a firearm via FedEx. When Neuheisel expressed reservations about complying with these requests, Bidwill reportedly dismissed her concerns by saying, “Do it and then go to confession!” This statement, apparently referencing her Catholic faith, suggests a callous disregard for ethical standards and a willingness to compromise Neuheisel’s personal values for his convenience.
Discrimination and Bias in Hiring Practices
The lawsuit further alleges that Bidwill sought to replace Neuheisel with someone who was “young, beautiful, and athletic.” This claim is supported by an incident in which a colleague allegedly informed Neuheisel that Bidwill was looking for a more attractive candidate for her role. The complaint also details how a woman Bidwill referred to as a “hot blonde” was eventually hired and assumed many of the responsibilities that had previously been Neuheisel’s. These allegations suggest a pattern of age and gender discrimination, with Bidwill prioritizing physical appearance over qualifications and experience.
Pressure to Resign and Criticism of Family Priorities
In addition to the allegations of discrimination, the lawsuit claims that Bidwill pressured Neuheisel to resign because she refused to distance herself from her family. Neuheisel, a single mother and grandmother, had her two adult children and three young grandchildren living with her. According to the complaint, Bidwill criticized her for what he perceived as an excessive focus on her family, even going so far as to call her an “enabler” to her children and grandchildren. This criticism reportedly escalated when one of her children experienced a serious medical emergency. While Neuheisel was attending to the situation, Bidwill allegedly bombarded her with texts requesting “status updates,” showing little regard for her personal circumstances.
A Hostile Work Environment and Bizarre Incidents
The lawsuit paints a picture of a hostile and toxic work environment under Bidwill’s leadership. For example, it alleges that Bidwill’s pit bull attacked Neuheisel and other employees, and he subsequently ordered her to take the “vicious dog” to the park, despite the incident. In another bizarre episode, Bidwill reportedly blamed Neuheisel’s grandchildren for being noisy during a phone call, claiming their noise caused him to forget to book a limousine to the NFL’s New York headquarters. These allegations highlight a work environment marked by chaos, unpredictability, and a lack of respect for employees’ well-being.
The Toll on Neuheisel and the Broader Implications
Neuheisel’s attorney, Michael Caspino of the California-based Price Caspino law firm, described his client as “an amazing lady” who earned her bachelor’s degree while serving in the U.S. Navy and raising her children as a single mother. Caspino emphasized that Neuheisel ultimately resigned after Bidwill subjected her to a half-hour-long shouting tirade on her final day, following weeks of constant verbal attacks. “She felt that if she didn’t get up and walk out, she would have a mental breakdown,” Caspino said. He also criticized Bidwill as “a mean person who goes out of his way to mistreat people” and suggested that wealthy NFL owners like Bidwill often escape accountability for mistreating employees. Caspino pointed to a recent $3 million payout the Cardinals were ordered to make to another former executive, Terry McDonough, for “false and defamatory” statements, as evidence of a broader culture of mistreatment within the organization.
The Cardinals’ Response and the Road Ahead
A spokesperson for the Arizona Cardinals denied the allegations, stating that the team was “surprised” by the lawsuit and “strongly” denied the claims. The spokesperson also revealed that Neuheisel’s attorney had contacted the team earlier in the week, threatening to file the lawsuit unless a settlement was reached by 5 p.m. the following day. When the team refused to comply, the lawsuit was filed. Caspino acknowledged that seeking a settlement is a standard legal step but emphasized that the case would now proceed to trial. The Cardinals have declined to comment further on the matter, citing pending litigation. As this case moves forward, it could shed light on the broader issue of workplace mistreatment in professional sports and the challenges employees face when confronting powerful owners.
