Former Carolina Panthers executive says two of three domestic violence charges dismissed

A former Carolina Panthers executive announced Thursday that two of three domestic violence charges filed against him in June have been dismissed.

Adrian Wilson, former vice president of player personnel, was arrested on charges of “intentional injury (DV),” “damage to property — desecration of $250-$2,000 (DV),” and “disorderly conduct — disorderly conduct or fighting (DV).” News of his arrest comes a day after the team confirmed he is no longer serving on the Panthers’ board of directors.

Two of those charges, all misdemeanors, were dismissed. And “a third is coming soon,” according to Wilson’s statement.

According to ESPN.com, court documents indicate that both charges were dismissed at the request of the Scottsdale City Attorney, and Wilson’s sentencing date has been set for September 8, 2025.

“Yesterday, after several long months, I appeared before a Scottsdale City Judge to address charges stemming from an oral dispute between my wife Alicia and me,” Wilson wrote. “Upon learning that no physical altercation had occurred, two of the three misdemeanor charges filed by the Scottsdale City Attorney’s Office were dismissed.”

He continued, “As for the third charge, I entered into a deferred sentence agreement, which I understand is typically only offered to those who have a clean record and who do not pose a threat to the community. This deferred sentence agreement requires me to attend counseling sessions, which I will gladly do. Upon completion of the third and final misdemeanor charge, it will also be dismissed.”

According to Scottsdale Police Department records obtained by The Charlotte Observer in July, Wilson and his wife had an argument in the early morning hours of June 1. Wilson denied ever touching his wife that night, but admitted that he had a breakdown and planned to drive to the desert to shoot himself because he “felt like nobody cared.”

Police records then state that after speaking with various family members who assured Adrian he was loved, Wilson stopped feeling that way. He was found and formally arrested just after 6:30 a.m. and taken to Scottsdale City Jail for booking procedures, where he remained in custody.

“After listening, I can now begin the process of healing from this very unfortunate incident and the shame it has brought to my family and me,” he wrote. “I deeply regret my actions on June 1st and recommit to being a better man and father.”

He continued: “I have learned a lot and I am looking forward to building relationships with the kids, putting my 20+ years of football experience back into action and supporting community and non-profit causes that I believe in.”

Wilson, 44, is a High Point native and former NC State football player. He came to Carolina in February 2023 after a long playing career and then eight seasons in the Arizona Cardinals front office, where he was a key part of the team’s scouting department. He served as the Cardinals’ co-interim general manager at the end of 2022. He was also reportedly considered for several general manager positions after the 2022 season, including with the New York Giants and Jacksonville Jaguars, but was not hired for either position.

“Thank you to my friends, family members, former teammates and colleagues who reached out to me during this difficult time,” he wrote. “Your words of support and comfort meant the world to me.”