2023-11-01 22:17:32
In a recent report published by ESPNa troubling pattern of workplace toxicity has come to light involving the owner of the Arizona Cardinals, Michael Bidwill.
Former employees have spoken out, shedding light on allegations of “sexist” and “racially charged” behavior within the organization.
Accusations once morest Bidwill
According to former Cardinals COO Ron Minegarthere is a pervasive culture problem within the organization, and it all appears to emanate from one source-Michael Bidwill.
Minegar even wrote a letter to Bidwill while he was still with the organization that paints a grim picture, stating, “Your negativity sucks the life out of the entire process and erodes our collective resolve to work our asses off for you and this franchise.”
However, it’s not just Minegar who has raised concerns.
Terry McDonoughthe team’s former vice president of player personnel, filed a complaint this year, alleging “gross misconduct, including discrimination and harassment” within the organization, ESPN reports.
McDonough accused Bidwill of berating employees in public and causing mental health issues among some former employees.
McDonough’s complaint also mentions a racially charged incident involving a black employee.
The allegations don’t end there.
Bidwill is accused of bringing two pregnant women to tears due to his “abusive and bullying mistreatment.”
It’s reported that he even suggested women use separate staircases to avoid interacting with players, and discriminatory practices were used to keep female business staff apart from the male football side of the organization.
The workplace atmosphere seems to have taken a severe toll on employees, with some reporting the need for mental health treatmentincluding depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress.
Bidwill: We have worked hard to improve our culture
The Cardinals have vehemently denied McDonough’s claims, referring to them as “outlandish.” Regarding the allegations of burner phones, they explained that another executive had interfered with the suspension protocol, and swift action was taken to rectify the situation.
Despite the mixed perspectives from former employees and the team’s denial, the reports suggest a workplace environment filled with fear and unease.
Bidwill’s alleged behavior has led to many individuals feeling that they must walk on eggshells in the organization.
Michael Bidwillin response to these allegations, stated that the team has been actively working to improve its culture over the years.
He also acknowledged that there is still more work to be done.
Part of his statement to ESPN reads as follows: “[The Cardinals organization] has worked hard over the last several years to improve our culture across the board. We have more to do and, as I have said to every member of the Cardinals organization, that includes my own work to grow and improve as a leader… The truth is that we are a different organization today than we were just a few years ago and extremely different from the club I grew up around in terms of business practices, sense of community and overall structure. I’m confident that we have the right team in place and the commitment to continue on our path to building the best organization possible.”
This situation is particularly noteworthy as the Bidwill family has owned the Cardinals for three generations.
Michael Bidwill took over the team’s ownership when his father passed away in 2019.
The Cardinals are not just any football franchise; they hold the distinction of being the oldest continuously family-run professional football franchise.
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