“He Set Me Up”: Hopkins’ Deleted Post Accuses Keim of PED Frame
DeAndre Hopkins Accuses Former Cardinals GM Steve Keim of Setting Him Up
ELI5 Summary: A famous football player says his old boss tricked him into failing a drug test, which cost him millions of dollars. The player deleted his accusation, but people are still talking about it.
What Happened?
On Sunday, former Arizona Cardinals star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins posted a shocking message on social media. He accused the team’s former General Manager (GM), Steve Keim, of orchestrating a "set up" that led to Hopkins failing a drug test and getting suspended.
Here are the key facts:
- Who: DeAndre Hopkins (former Cardinals wide receiver) vs. Steve Keim (former Cardinals General Manager)
- What: Hopkins claims Keim arranged for his drug test to be contaminated
- When: The suspension happened during the 2022 season (Hopkins’ final year with the team)
- Money Lost: $5.2 million in salary due to a six-game suspension
- The Post: Hopkins wrote: "I got set up when I played for his team and lost 13 million. Skeme Slime was my GM, contaminated drug test go figure how that happened."
- Current Status: Hopkins deleted the message shortly after posting it
Background: Why Is Steve Keim in the News?
Steve Keim has been attracting negative attention recently because of his connection to an alleged scam artist who was recently found dead in a pool. This new accusation from Hopkins adds another layer to the controversy surrounding Keim’s time with the Cardinals.
Important Note: Neither Hopkins nor Keim has provided detailed evidence. The NFL has not commented on these new allegations.
Breaking Down the Accusation
What Hopkins Claims
| Claim | Details |
|---|---|
| "I got set up" | Hopkins believes someone intentionally caused him to fail a drug test |
| "Skeme Slime was my GM" | "Skeme Slime" appears to be a nickname for Steve Keim |
| "Contaminated drug test" | Suggests the test sample was tampered with |
| "Lost 13 million" | Refers to total financial impact (salary + bonuses + future earnings) |
What We Know For Sure
- Hopkins was suspended for 6 games in 2022 for violating the NFL’s Performance-Enhancing Drug (PED) policy
- He lost $5.2 million in base salary during that suspension
- The Cardinals traded Hopkins to the Tennessee Titans in 2023
- Steve Keim stepped down as GM in January 2023 (citing health reasons)
Why This Matters
Key Takeaway: If true, this would mean a team executive sabotaged his own star player. That’s a huge deal in professional sports.
Potential Implications:
- NFL Investigation – The league may look into whether team officials interfered with drug testing
- Legal Action – Hopkins could sue for lost wages and damaged reputation
- Front Office Accountability – Raises questions about power dynamics in NFL organizations
- Reputation Damage – Further harms Keim’s legacy with the Cardinals
Timeline of Events
- 2022 Season – Hopkins fails drug test, suspended for first 6 games
- January 2023 – Steve Keim steps down as Cardinals GM
- March 2023 – Cardinals trade Hopkins to Tennessee Titans
- August 2024 – News breaks about Keim’s connection to alleged scam artist found dead
- August 9, 2024 – Hopkins posts (then deletes) accusation on social media
- Present – No further comment from Hopkins, Keim, or the NFL
Summary
DeAndre Hopkins made a serious but vague accusation against his former boss, Steve Keim. He claims Keim orchestrated a contaminated drug test that led to a six-game suspension and millions in lost money. Hopkins deleted the post without explaining further. With Keim already under scrutiny for other reasons, this story could develop significantly if Hopkins provides details or if the NFL investigates.
Remember: These are allegations only. No proof has been presented, and no official investigation has been announced.
FAQ
Did DeAndre Hopkins actually fail a drug test?
Yes. In 2022, Hopkins was suspended for six games for violating the NFL’s Performance-Enhancing Drug policy. He never appealed the suspension.
Why does Hopkins say he lost "$13 million" but reports say $5.2 million?
The $5.2 million is his lost base salary for the six missed games. The $13 million likely includes bonuses, incentives, and future contract value affected by the suspension.
What does "Skeme Slime" mean?
It appears to be a derogatory nickname Hopkins created for Steve Keim. "Skeme" = scheme/schemer, "Slime" = untrustworthy person.
Has Steve Keim responded?
No. As of now, Keim has not made any public statement addressing Hopkins’ accusation.
Could the NFL investigate this?
Yes. If the NFL finds credible evidence that a team executive tampered with a drug test, it would be a major violation of league integrity policies, potentially resulting in severe penalties for the individual and franchise.
Why did Hopkins delete the post?
We don’t know. Common reasons include: legal advice, pressure from the NFL/teams, realizing he lacked proof, or wanting to handle it privately.
Article based on reporting by Theo Mackie of the Arizona Republic. All allegations remain unproven.