Judge Sent Arizona Cardinals Lawsuit to Arbitration
A federal judge ordered the racial discrimination lawsuit filed by two former employees to proceed through arbitration.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Football
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Kendra Hogue and Don Shumpert filed a lawsuit against the Arizona Cardinals and owner Michael Bidwill on May 26, 2026. On September 19, 2026, a federal judge ordered the case to move to arbitration.
Why it matters
The legal dispute involves serious allegations of racial discrimination, retaliation, defamation, and constructive termination within the organization. The transition to arbitration removes the case from a public trial setting.
The lawsuit alleges various workplace violations including constructive termination and racial discrimination. The organization recently recorded a franchise record of nine consecutive home losses.
The players
Kendra Hogue
She is a plaintiff in the lawsuit who alleges racial discrimination and retaliation against the organization.
Don Shumpert
He is a plaintiff who joined the lawsuit alleging defamation and constructive termination.
Arizona Cardinals
This is a professional football team based in Arizona that competes in the National Football League.
Michael Bidwill
He serves as the owner and chairman of the Arizona Cardinals football organization.
John Hinderaker
He is the federal judge who oversaw the motion to move the lawsuit into arbitration.
The details
After the initial filing in state court on May 26, the defendants successfully moved the case to federal court on June 1. A federal judge subsequently ordered that the NFL Commissioner must select the arbitrator for the proceedings.
Timeline
May 26, 2026: Plaintiffs filed the lawsuit in Arizona state court.
June 1, 2026: Defendants removed the case to federal court.
September 19, 2026: A federal judge ordered the case to arbitration.
Season Trajectory
This legal shift mirrors the broader trend of professional sports organizations utilizing mandatory arbitration clauses to resolve high-stakes employment disputes. It removes the case from the public court system, potentially shielding the organization from further scrutiny during the active season.
The transfer of this case to arbitration means there will be no jury trial or public discovery process for the claims. The ruling mandates that the NFL Commissioner will select the final arbitrator for the proceedings.
The takeaway
The move to arbitration highlights the common use of contract clauses to keep employment disputes private. Interested parties should monitor if plaintiffs successfully challenge the process in appellate court.
Further reading
For more on the organization's current news, visit Arizona Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBC Sports.
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