Former Cardinals VP Terry McDonough accused of choking neighbor in farm equipment dispute

Terry McDonough, who previously worked as the Arizona Cardinals vice president of player personnel, faces assault charges. 

McDonough's neighbor accused the former NFL executive of choking him during a verbal altercation over lawn care and farm equipment. McDonough is scheduled to appear in court on April 11.

The charge stems from an alleged incident on March 12. According to the criminal affidavit, the neighbor claims McDonough initially chest bumped him and then placed his hands around his neck in an attempt to strangle him. McDonough was allegedly upset that some sort of tractor equipment damaged the grass on his lawn. Two landscape workers who were also in the vicinity were also verbally assaulted, per the affidavit.

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An Arizona Cardinals helmet on the field before the Minnesota Vikings game at U.S. Bank Stadium on Aug. 26, 2023, in Minneapolis. (David Berding/Getty Images)

"This person has a history of volatile behavior and also (was) publicized in national news related to a case he has with the Arizona Cardinals," the man said in the affidavit. "He tried to strangle me unprovoked and both me and my family do not feel safe."

Fox News Digital's attempts to reach McDonough were unsuccessful.

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McDonough filed an arbitration claim against the Cardinals last April accusing owner Michael Bidwill of cheating. McDonough claims he was eventually demoted after he objected to a scheme that would involve the use of "burner phones" to circumvent the 2018 suspension of then-GM Steve Keim, who had been arrested for DUI.

State Farm Stadium before the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals on Oct. 31, 2019, in Glendale, Arizona. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Bidwill denied the Cardinals are liable for any claims McDonough made against the team in a demand for arbitration, saying his "erratic behavior eventually damaged his career." 

The team cited several instances of what it says was McDonough’s volatile behavior, including a text exchange in which he apologizes to Bidwill for a confrontation.

"What was very disturbing today was the unprofessional and argumentative reaction you had to my comment to you after practice to not let me ‘be an afterthought.’ Your reaction was completely disproportionate to my statement," Bidwill texted McDonough after a confrontation at training camp. "You had no reason to lose your temper. 

"I can’t remember the last time I had that kind of interaction with any member of our staff, say nothing of an executive. It was juvenile and unbecoming. Puffing out your chest, pointing your finger at me, raising your voice and repeating yourself in an attempt to intimidate me into agreeing with you. Telling me to ‘prove’ my concern. Really?!"

"I apologize for the interaction today," McDonough responded. "You have been a big advocate and supporter of mine. I have a great amount of respect for you.… It will not happen again." 

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McDonough held a variety of positions during his 10-year stint with the Cardinals’ front office, including several years as vice president of player personnel.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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