Fired Cardinals assistant denies wrongdoing in Mexico
Fired Arizona Cardinals assistant coach Sean Kugler has filed a request for arbitration with the NFL, denying wrongdoing that led to his dismissal from the team before Arizona’s game in Mexico City last month.
The law firm of Shields Petitti filed the request with the NFL earlier this week, as the Cardinals were preparing to play the Denver Broncos this Sunday in Colorado.
“Respecting women is a core value for me, and something I have instilled in my children and the players that I coach,” Kugler stated in a release issued by the law firm. “The mysterious allegations by the Cardinals are untrue, and I want to clear my name. Be it a miscommunication or mistaken identity, my family and I will cooperate fully and honestly with the NFL, Cardinals, or any other agency to get to the truth in this matter and restore my reputation. There are incredible people that work in the game — from league level to my players, fellow coaches, and incredible support staff. I simply want to get back to doing what I love, and would like my family to have peace.”
Kugler was sent home from Mexico City on Nov. 21 before the team’s 38-10 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
ESPN reported that he was accused of inappropriately touching a woman the day before the team’s Week 11 game.
A statement from Shields Petitti said that Kugler was sent hom for “unsubstantiated allegations that he inappropriately touched a female security guard.”
It also said that the Cardinals did not interview Kugler or conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations.
“The allegations against Coach Kugler are simply untrue and have caused Sean, his wife and family enormous personal and professional damage,” Michael Petitti of Shields Petitti said in a statement. “Coach and his family have been desperate to understand from the Cardinals front office and others what rationale or evidence was used to terminate him for cause.”
Kugler had been the Cardinals’ running game coordinator and chief offensive line coach.
He had been part of the Cardinals’ coaching staff since Kliff Kingsbury was hired as coach in 2019 and had earned steady praise by players, coaches and members of the front office.
The Cardinals issued a statement Friday after Kugler’s arbitration request with the NFL was made public. It said the following: “As an ongoing legal matter, we are going to refrain from comment other than to say that the team is confident the process will result in a much different set of facts than those presented today and that it had good cause to terminate Mr. Kugler’s employment.”
Asked for comment on the Kugler
matter Friday after the team’s practice, Kingsbury chose not to and referred to the team’s statement.
Keim on Kingsbury’s mind
With Cardinals general manager Steve Keim on a health-related leave of absence, as announced by the team on Wednesday, Kingsbury was asked about Keim and now working with Vice President, Player Personnel Quentin Harris and Vice President, Pro Personnel Adrian Wilson, who have taken over Keim’s duties on an interim basis.
“I have a great appreciation for Steve, as you guys know. Always will. And Adrian and ‘Q,’ it’s been the same. We’ve had a great relationship since they’ve been here. And we all want to do the best for this organization, and so it’ll be good communication moving forward with us three.”
Kingsbury added that he felt disappointed for Keim, given his appreciation for Keim being one of those who gave Kingsbury the opportunity to be the Cardinals’ head coach.
“It’s not easy,” Kingsbury said of Keim not being around.
Injury updates
The Cardinals got wide receiver Hollywood Brown back in practice on Friday, after Brown missed Thursday due to an illness.
“He came out (Friday) and kind of toughed it out, but I’m hoping the next 48 hours he’ll feel better and can go full go on Sunday,” Kingsbury said of Brown.
Cornerbacks Byron Murphy Jr. and Antonio Hamilton did not practice, both dealing with back injuries.
Hamilton is day to day, Kingsbury said. If he is deemed not ready to play Sunday at Denver, rookie Christian Matthew stands to play significantly more than in previous games.
Offensive lineman Will Hernandez took part in Friday’s practice after being activated from injured reserve this week, and Kingsbury said his strength is there and he feels good. Hernandez could play as soon as Sunday.