Fired assistant coach files arbitration case against Arizona Cardinals
Sean Kugler, a former offensive line coach for the Arizona Cardinals that was fired earlier this season, has filed for arbitration with multiple claims against the team.
Kugler was fired during the team's trip to Mexico City for the team's Monday night game against the San Francisco 49ers after allegations that he inappropriately touched a female security guard.
The Arizona law firm of Shields Petitti has filed for arbitration on Kugler's behalf, arguing that the team fired him without doing a thorough investigation into the allegations or even interviewing him.
Kugler issued a statement in the law firms press release, suggesting the incident may have been a miscommunication or even mistaken identity.
"Respecting women is a core value for me, and something I have instilled in my children and the players that I coach. 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."
The Cardinals issued their own statement on the news.
This is just another chapter in what has been a disastrous season on and off the field for the Cardinals.
The team is out of playoff contention in what has become a bitterly disappointing performance. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury might be on the hot seat after just signing a new contract extension this offseason, while quarterback Kyler Murray (also having just signed a new contract extension) has badly regressed and is now sidelined for the remainder of the season with a torn ACL that could impact his availability at the start of the 2023 season. General manager Steve Keim also has stepped away from the organization due to health reasons.
Add in the Kugler situation and everything is going wrong for the Cardinals.
As Troy Aikman put it, this entire situation is a dumpster fire.
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