Playing cards proprietor sued, accused of ‘unmercifully’ harassing assistant

TEMPE, Ariz. — A former assistant to Michael Bidwill is suing the Arizona Cardinals proprietor, alleging that he “unmercifully harassed” her in an effort to get her to go away the staff.

Brittany Neuheisel, who was Bidwill’s assistant from 2019 till she resigned final week, is suing on claims of constructive discharge, wrongful discharge, discrimination and intentional infliction of emotional misery. The 11-page grievance was filed Thursday within the Superior Court docket of Maricopa County.

In keeping with the grievance, Bidwill was demeaning to Neuheisel and would verbally abuse her “virtually on daily basis.” Neuheisel left the Cardinals 9 days in the past and walked out crying after “Bidwill screamed at her for over a half hour,” her lawyer, Mike Caspino, advised ESPN.

Among the many many allegations within the lawsuit, Neuheisel says Bidwill demanded that she disavow her youngsters and grandchildren and that he advised Neuheisel that her relationships have been “affecting her work efficiency.”

Neuheisel says Bidwill requested her to make a number of false claims, together with transport a firearm via FedEx to an acquaintance. Neuheisel says she advised Bidwill of the restrictions on transport firearms however that Bidwill allegedly advised Neuheisel “to proceed with the cargo.” Bidwill additionally allegedly requested Neuheisel to “present false info” on federal and worldwide varieties that have been associated to his journey by personal aircraft, in accordance with the lawsuit. When Neuheisel objected, Bidwill would allegedly inform Neuheisel, a practising Catholic, “Do it after which go to confession.”

The lawsuit says Bidwill wished to switch Neuheisel, a 54-year-old Navy veteran, with somebody who was “younger, stunning and athletic.” After the Cardinals employed a lady who match these descriptions, the lawsuit alleges that Neuheisel’s position was diminished and that duties she usually had performed have been taken over by the brand new rent.

The Cardinals disputed Neuheisel’s claims.

“Earlier this week, the Cardinals obtained an e-mail from a California-based plaintiff’s lawyer,” a staff spokesman stated in an announcement. “In it, he threatened to file a lawsuit until the staff agreed to his demand for a considerable amount of cash by 5:00PM the following day. The staff refused and the lawyer has now filed the Grievance.

“The Cardinals have been stunned by and strongly deny the allegations made on this lawsuit and intend to defend the case on its deserves within the acceptable discussion board. As that is now pending litigation, the staff will chorus from additional remark.”

Caspino responded to the Cardinals’ assertion, saying his request was a part of the method.

“We at all times have interaction in pre-litigation settlement discussions,” Caspino advised ESPN. “In reality, judges count on us to take action. That is the apply of all competent legal professionals. Within the case of Ms. Neuheisel, our settlement efforts have been rebuffed by Bidwill and the Cardinals.”

The lawsuit is searching for a jury trial with a objective of damages, which weren’t specified.

ESPN investigated the Cardinals’ office tradition beneath Bidwill in 2023 after it got here beneath scrutiny following accusations made by Terry McDonough, the staff’s former vice chairman of participant personnel, who filed an arbitration grievance that accused the Cardinals and Bidwill of gross misconduct, together with discrimination and harassment, amongst different allegations.

In April, the Cardinals have been ordered by an NFL arbitrator to pay McDonough $3 million for “false and defamatory” statements the staff made about him to the media.

Days later, McDonough’s spouse and daughter filed a lawsuit for defamation, negligence and intentional infliction of emotional misery in opposition to the Cardinals, Bidwill and others related to the staff.