Top Cardinals executive arrested in Chandler on DUI charge

A top Arizona Cardinals executive was arrested on a DUI charge Saturday night, authorities said.

Ron Minegar, the team’s executive vice president and chief operating officer, was stopped by Chandler Police near near Pecos Road and Arizona Avenue around 11:30 p.m. after an officer noticed Minegar speeding, failing to drive in one lane and driving in the bicycle lanes.

Minegar, 60, was cited and released as the investigation continues, police said.

The Arizona Cardinals called Minegar’s actions “inexcusable” in a statement.

“He made the decision to drive after drinking alcohol and is fortunate that he was pulled over before injuring anyone or himself,” the team said in a statement Sunday. “According to MADD, drunk driving results in almost 11,000 deaths per year and is the number one cause of fatalities on roadways. We fully recognize the seriousness of these actions and they will have serious consequences.”

Minegar is entering his 20th season with the team. He is responsible for overseeing the development of the club’s annual strategic plan and all aspects of the Cardinals’ business operations, according to his bio on the team’s website.

Minegar’s arrest is the latest of legal troubles for the Cardinals.

Cardinals general manager Steve Keim pleaded guilty to extreme DUI in July 2018 after being arrested by Chandler police on July 4. He was suspended five weeks and fined $200,000 by the team.

The Cardinals released defensive end Darius Philon on Saturday evening after he was arrested Friday for one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

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