Former Arizona Cardinals General Manager Steve Keim has hired legal representation to address accusations made by wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins that Keim was involved in tampering with or contaminating a drug test, which resulted in Hopkins' six-game suspension in 2022. Keim, who served as GM for the Cardinals for 10 years before leaving the team after the 2022 season, vehemently denied the allegations.
In a statement, Keim said, "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 asserted that he "did not contaminate, alter, manipulate, interfere with, or cause anyone else to interfere with DeAndre's drug test or its results." He further stated, "I did not 'set him up' for a suspension, and I had no involvement in causing the test result that led to his suspension."
Hopkins, a five-time Pro Bowler, had initially posted on social media that his former GM, whom he referred to as "Skeme Slime," was responsible for a contaminated drug test that led to him losing $13 million. The actual amount lost due to the suspension was reported as $5.2 million.
The six-game suspension in 2022 for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drugs policy impacted the Cardinals' season, which concluded with a 4-13 record, and coincided with quarterback Kyler Murray's season-ending ACL tear.
Keim traded for Hopkins in 2020 when Hopkins was with the Houston Texans. The two were together for three seasons in Arizona. Hopkins last played in the NFL in 2025 for the Baltimore Ravens and in August joined Georgia Tech as an assistant wide receivers coach.
Keim stated that Hopkins' accusation attacks his integrity and professional reputation, which he has spent decades building. He indicated that the evidence is being reviewed and preserved and that the matter will be handled through appropriate channels. Keim also said he would not engage in public disputes about the incident but would not remain silent.