The Cardinals have made a lot of noise off the football field this offseason, and that continued Friday. Wide receiver Marquise Brown had the following day Arrested and charged with criminal speedinghead coach Kliff Kingsbury told reporters That running backs coach James Saxon has been placed on paid administrative leave while facing two charges of domestic battery.
Saxon, 56, was originally indicted on May 25 in Indianapolis. According to ESPNBecause of an incident on May 7, during which the longtime assistant coach allegedly assaulted a woman in front of a child. Saxon faces two counts of domestic battery, a Level 6 felony punishable by six months to two years in prison. A trial date may be set at an attorney conference in August. 25, per ESPN, two days before the Cardinals’ final preseason game.
“We are aware of this incident and have notified the NFL as required,” the Cardinals said in a statement Friday. “The matter is currently under review in accordance with league policies. … We will have no further comment pending additional proceedings.”
Saxon posted bond after his May arrest, and a restraining order was later issued as part of the case. He reported to Cardinals training camp in late July, and was coaching the team’s running backs as usual to begin practice.
Offensive assistant Don Shumpert and chief of staff Kenny Bell are set to replace Saxon in the interim.
Saxon has been on Arizona’s staff since 2019, as one of Kingsbury’s original hires. Before that, he spent five years as the Steelers’ running backs coach, from 2014-2018. He also won titles with the Vikings (2011-2013), Dolphins (2008-2010), and Chiefs (2001-2007), most notably mentoring All-Pro starters Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson in Kansas City.