The ongoing dispute between former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and ex-general manager Steve Keim has escalated significantly. The conflict began on August 10, when Hopkins publicly accused Keim, referring to him as "Skeme Slime," of orchestrating a setup that led to his failed drug test in 2022.
Though Hopkins has since deleted the tweet containing the accusation, the fallout has prompted Keim to take the matter seriously. Arizona Sports radio host John Gambadoro reported that Keim has sought legal representation in response to the claims made by the former receiver, who is now coaching at Georgia Tech.
This controversy comes shortly after a report linked Keim to a troubling e-commerce scheme that allegedly defrauded NFL players out of more than $1 million. Adding to the gravity of the situation, Keim's business partner, Mohamed Coulibaly, was found dead on August 3, raising further questions about Keim's professional dealings.
During the 2022 season, which was both Hopkins' and Keim's last with the Cardinals, Hopkins was suspended for the first six games. The Cardinals finished that season with a disappointing 4-13 record, leading to Keim's dismissal and the hiring of Monti Ossenfort as his successor. Meanwhile, Hopkins was released from the team in the same offseason.
In response to Hopkins' allegations, Keim's representatives issued a statement to Pro Football Talk, firmly denying any wrongdoing. The statement read, "DeAndre Hopkins recently published and then deleted a statement falsely suggesting that I was responsible for contaminating or manipulating the drug test associated with his 2022 NFL suspension. That accusation is completely false."
Keim further clarified, stating, "I did not contaminate, alter, manipulate, interfere with, or cause anyone else to interfere with DeAndre’s drug test or its results. I did not 'set him up' for a suspension, and I had no involvement in causing the test result that led to his suspension." He emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, noting that they damage his integrity and professional reputation built over decades in the NFL.
Keim has retained attorney Raees Mohamed, a founding partner at RM Warner Law, to address the situation legally. The firm, based in Scottsdale, specializes in business and defamation law, with Mohamed focusing on internet and e-commerce law. Keim's statement indicates he is prepared to take legal action to protect his reputation, expressing confidence in his ability to win a potential case against Hopkins.
As this situation continues to unfold, it highlights the complexities and tensions that can arise in professional sports, particularly when personal relationships and professional responsibilities intersect. Both Keim and Hopkins have had their share of challenges in recent years, and this latest development adds another layer to their respective narratives.
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