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Arizona Cardinals’ general manager commits irresponsible act

By Jim Koch

GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 22: President Michael J. Bidwill of the Arizona Cardinals (left) and general manager Steve Keim (right) watch warm ups before the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on November 22, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Bengals 34-31. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 22: President Michael J. Bidwill of the Arizona Cardinals (left) and general manager Steve Keim (right) watch warm ups before the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on November 22, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Bengals 34-31. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Steve Keim’s recent arrest for driving under the influence is an embarrassing issue for the entire Arizona Cardinals family

It’s not as if there weren’t warning signs with the general manager of the Arizona Cardinals. Just last year, Steve Keim had joked about the liver condition of a player he had just selected in the fourth round of the 2017 draft. A remark that the Cards’ executive immediately admitted was not in good taste.

“Some think that Coach and I have some liver issues, but we’re doing just fine”, Keim said when discussing guard Dorian Johnson’s health. The leader of the Cardinals’ front office was making light of the fact that he and then-head coach Bruce Arians did tend to enjoy a cocktail or two when they were away from their jobs. Perhaps Keim wasn’t joking, after all.

On July 4th, the Cards’ GM was cited for driving under the influence in Chandler, AZ. According to accounts, Keim promptly alerted the team, who in turn was required to report the news to the NFL. “I truly regret my incredibly poor judgement and inexcusable actions”, Keim proclaimed in a statement released by the franchise.

It’s a sticky situation in more ways than one for Arizona. Back in December of 2016, Keim was undoubtedly in on the decision to cut Michael Floyd, a first-round pick in 2012. The talented wide receiver was arrested and charged with a DUI, just two days before the Cardinals cut ties with him.

Will the Cards do the same with Keim? It’s very unlikely that team President Michael Bidwill will go that route. Since Keim took over head management duties in 2013, the team has a sparkling 49-30-1 won-loss record.

Does a double standard exist within the organization? Absolutely, it does. But it’s not just with Arizona, this type of hypocrisy goes on all across the league.

Instead, Keim is most likely looking at just a suspension and a fine. Exactly how long the two-time NFL Executive of the Year would have to stay away from the club is unknown at the moment. The length of the absence could actually depend on Keim’s blood-alcohol level at the time of the arrest.

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At the end of the day, it’s an embarrassing predicament for the Cardinals. Everyone makes mistakes in life, not many would argue that point. Keim will certainly need to make sure that this particular one doesn’t occur again.

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