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Judge Dominic Lanza also granted the motion to
compel arbitration made by the law firm and PR firm regarding
McDonough’s claims of defamation, removing them from federal
court.
Last year, an NFL arbitrator ordered the Cardinals to pay nearly
$3 million to McDonough for making “false and defamatory”
statements about him to the media.
Jeffrey Mishkin, the arbitrator appointed by NFL commissioner
Roger Goodell, determined the Cardinals defamed McDonough in a
CounterPoint Statement that accused him of “extreme domestic
violence” and claimed he “abandoned responsibility” for his
daughter and “cut her off financially.”
McDonough’s claims for unlawful retaliation, intentional
infliction of emotional distress, and invasion of privacy were
dismissed. He sought up to $125 million in total damages.
Following the decision, McDonough, his wife, Lynette, and
daughter, Caroline, filed a lawsuit alleging defamation and
other related claims by the defendants: the Cardinals, their
external law firm (Gallagher & Kennedy) and external PR firm
(Counterpoint).
Judge Lanza determined the claims were unwarranted.
“We are pleased with the federal court ruling today in which a
United States District Judge dismissed all of the McDonough
claims against the team,” a team spokesman said in a statement.
McDonough worked 10 seasons for the Cardinals’ front office,
including several years as vice president of player personnel. |
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