Former Arizona Cardinals general manager Steve Keim has retained legal counsel after DeAndre Hopkins accused him of involvement in contaminating or manipulating a performance-enhancing drug (PED) test. The accusation centers on the failed test that resulted in Hopkins’ six-game suspension during the 2022 NFL season.
The dispute stems from a since-deleted social media comment by Hopkins and has escalated into a formal denial and potential legal action by Keim.
What DeAndre Hopkins Said About the Drug Test
In early August 2026, Hopkins responded to an Instagram post linking Keim to an alleged scam artist. Hopkins wrote that he “got set up” while playing for the Cardinals and lost $13 million. He referred to Keim as “Skeme Slime” and claimed a contaminated drug test was involved.
Hopkins later deleted the comment. Reports indicate the actual salary loss from the six-game suspension was approximately $5.2 million, according to contemporary analysis.
Hopkins has long maintained that the positive test for Ostarine involved only a trace amount and resulted from contamination rather than intentional use. He made similar statements shortly after the suspension was announced in 2022.
Background: DeAndre Hopkins’ 2022 PED Suspension
The NFL suspended Hopkins for the first six games of the 2022 season for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substances policy. At the time, he was in his third season with the Arizona Cardinals after Keim traded for him in 2020.
The suspension came as Hopkins recovered from an MCL injury suffered the previous year. Arizona finished the 2022 season with a 4-13 record. Keim stepped down as general manager after that season, citing health reasons.
No evidence has publicly linked the Cardinals organization or Keim to any interference with the test. The NFL Players Association also pushed back at the time against certain characterizations of the case.
Steve Keim Strongly Denies DeAndre Hopkins’ Accusation
Keim issued a detailed public statement denying the claims. He stated that Hopkins’ deleted post falsely suggested he was responsible for contaminating or manipulating the drug test tied to the 2022 suspension.
“That accusation is completely false,” Keim said. “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.”
Keim described the allegation as extraordinarily serious, noting that it attacks his integrity, professional reputation and decades of work in the NFL.
He confirmed that he has retained attorney Raees Mohamed, Esq. to address the matter and protect his legal rights. Relevant evidence is being reviewed and preserved, with the issue expected to be handled through appropriate channels.
Keim added that while he has no interest in engaging in a public back-and-forth on social media, he will not remain silent when he believes he has been falsely accused.
Broader Context Behind the Allegation
Hopkins’ comment appeared amid separate scrutiny of Keim related to Mohamed Coulibaly, an alleged scam artist who was found dead in a swimming pool at his home. An influencer had publicly connected Keim to the matter.
Keim has indicated that a private apology was made regarding those claims, though the posts remained online.
Keim and Hopkins worked together for three seasons in Arizona. Their professional relationship began with the blockbuster 2020 trade that brought Hopkins from the Houston Texans to the Cardinals.
Could Steve Keim Take Legal Action Against DeAndre Hopkins?
Keim’s decision to retain legal counsel and his reference to preserving evidence signal that civil litigation remains a possibility. However, retaining an attorney does not necessarily mean a lawsuit will be filed.
As of mid-August 2026, neither side has filed a formal lawsuit, and Hopkins has not publicly elaborated further after deleting the original comment.
What Happens Next?
The situation could develop depending on whether Hopkins makes additional public statements or Keim and his attorney pursue formal legal action.
For now, Hopkins’ allegation remains disputed, with Keim issuing an unequivocal denial and stating that he had no involvement in contaminating, manipulating or otherwise interfering with the drug test that resulted in Hopkins’ 2022 suspension.
The controversy has brought renewed attention to one of the most consequential episodes of Hopkins’ tenure with the Cardinals and the relationship between the star receiver and the former Arizona general manager.