Tag: NFL investigation

‘Happy Thanksgiving,’ Commanders Fans! It really has ended

Welcome to the Commanders, Josh Harris.

Thursday, July 20, 2023, marked the official end of the Daniel Snyder ownership era of the Washington Redskins/Football Team/Commanders.

He hired ten head coaches in his 24 NFL seasons as owner. He played general manager rather than actually hiring general managers to do the job. He interfered in some drafts and signed free agents he wanted, overruling coaches and scouts who had labored tirelessly.

Snyder’s experienced general manager suddenly resigned in July 1999, just prior to training camp. Snyder had just taken over ownership in May. It was a red flag of what was to come.

The winning percentage for Snyder was only .427. His teams won only two playoff games in Snyder’s 24 seasons, and one of those came in Snyder’s first season (1999) when he had taken ownership in May.

Thursday afternoon, the NFL determined this was not going to be a day to celebrate its new owner, Josh Harris. They made it clear they also wanted to publicly wash their hands of Daniel Snyder.

The NFL also chose to declare the findings of the Mary Jo White report today. White reported the Commanders withheld approximately $11M in revenue that should have been shared with other teams, that Snyder had sexually harassed a former female employee, and the Commanders failed to fully cooperate with her investigation.

Welcome to the Commanders, Josh Harris.

You come at a time that your predecessor could not have lowered the bar much more. His arrogance, his losing record, and his lack of caring for employees and fans have resulted in a severe plunging of fan attendance and revenue of team merchandise.

In one sense, you have a huge challenge in taking over a mess on the business side as well. The number of errors, even in recent years, has been well documented.

Yet, on the other side of the coin, this is a huge opportunity for you, Mr. Harris. You have the opening to set a new vision, create an enjoyable workplace culture, and bring winning on the field back to a once proud and hugely successful franchise.

You can set the direction and expectations of how all employees are to treat one another. You can bring great change to the organization by not merely making rules but also setting a positive example, not the smugness we saw previously.

The fanbase has been through an awful lot these 24 seasons. Perhaps you can launch your ownership era by giving the hometown fans something back for a change.

Again, welcome, Mr Harris. We wish you success in your future endeavors with this franchise.

 

Mary Jo White present in Minneapolis for NFL owners meetings

Is White updating NFL owners on her investigation into Snyder and the Commanders?

The NFL’s Mary Jo White-led investigation opened in Feb. 2022, after the league hired her to investigate former Washington employee Tiffani Johnston’s harassment allegation against Commanders owner Daniel Snyder.

As of July 20, White’s investigation into Snyder, the Commanders hasn’t been made public. Is the investigation over? Is the NFL waiting for the sale of the Commanders from Snyder to Josh Harris?

As the NFL owners converged in Minneapolis Thursday to vote on the sale of the franchise, there is an update on White — sort of.

According to Mark Maske of The Washington Post, White entered the room with NFL owners to presumably update them on her investigation into Snyder and the Commanders.

Owners are expected to approve the sale of the Commanders Thursday. Therefore, there should be actual news on White’s investigation at some point soon, right?

Longtime Washington writer Rick Snider weighed in on what’s likely happening.

It will all be over soon.

Congressman urges NFL, Roger Goodell to release Mary Jo White report

Is the NFL waiting until after the Commanders are sold to Josh Harris?

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The Washington Commanders will officially have a new owner soon. If things go as expected, the NFL owners will convene on July 20 for a special meeting, where it’s expected they will vote on the sale of the Commanders from embattled owner Daniel Snyder to Josh Harris.

What’s unknown is when Mary Jo White’s investigation into Snyder and the Commanders will conclude. White, a former United States attorney for the Southern District of New York and the former chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, was hired by the NFL in Feb. 2022 to lead an investigation into Snyder and the Commanders.

With the sale expected soon, Representative Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) sent a letter to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell regarding White’s investigation. The Washington Post obtained a copy of the letter, per Mark Maske. Raskin is the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, which led a separate 14-month investigation into Snyder and the Commanders.

That investigation concluded when Republicans took control of the House.

“I write with regard to the National Football League’s (NFL) investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and financial malfeasance against Washington Commanders owner Daniel Snyder,” the letter read. “More than a year has passed since your pledge to “share the results of that investigation,” yet, to date, no part of the information has been released to the public. In light of the impending sale of the Commanders franchise, I urge you to honor your commitment to release the report in its entirety and “take additional disciplinary action if warranted.”

The NFL has promised White’s report will be made public, unlike the previous Beth Wilkinson investigation. Snyder has reportedly lobbied for the NFL to limit the release of White’s report and has denied multiple requests from White to be interviewed.

Could this all be finished soon?

Ron Rivera has respect for the version of Dan Snyder he’s worked for

Ron Rivera appreciates what Dan Snyder has done for him since he became head coach in 2020, personally and professionally.

It’s rare to find someone who will say good things about Washington Commanders owner Daniel Snyder these days. Most fans despise how Snyder has run the franchise during his 24 years as the owner. In addition, there are the multiple investigations into Snyder, ranging from presiding over a toxic workplace for two decades to alleged financial improprieties.

Snyder certainly hasn’t made it easy on anyone during his tenure as owner. In the early years, he got by with things because “he wanted to win so bad.” That worked for a while with fans.

But, when the team would feel like it hit rock bottom, Snyder could always find a way to reel Washington fans — those who remained — back in. Whether it was Marty Schottenheimer, Mike Shanahan, or the big one, Joe Gibbs, Snyder could hire good coaches. After the 2019 season, he did it again, hiring the respected Ron Rivera to run a “coach-centric” model. That meant Rivera would be in charge of the football side of the building.

Rivera has gone through a lot in his three seasons as head coach. From battling cancer to the team changing its name — twice and all of the aforementioned investigations and the questions surrounding them.

Now, the team is for sale, and the Commanders should have a new owner before they report to training camp this summer.

At the NFL owners meetings in March, Ben Standig of The Athletic caught up with Rivera to discuss his time in Washington and what’s ahead.

One of the things Standig discussed with Rivera was his relationship with Snyder.

“You gotta give Dan Snyder credit for being truthful with me, sticking to what he promised,” Rivera said. “I mean it.”

While some will criticize every Snyder move — deservedly so in many cases — he has stuck by his promises to Rivera. One could argue that it’s because of everything the owner has battled in the past three years, but that’s not what’s important to Rivera. When Rivera needed something on the football side, Snyder delivered.

Rivera also touched on a personal subject, his battle with cancer. And Snyder was there for him and his wife, Stephanie.

“I get cancer. He’s at the doctor’s office,” Rivera said. “OK, he went through cancer. And he explained to me, ‘Hey, you’re going to be fine. Just hang in there.’ You know, he called people at Johns Hopkins. He called people at (Cleveland Clinic) and got their opinion. He didn’t have to do that.”

Some may not want to hear this, but there’s a personal side that sometimes the public doesn’t know about. That’s not to defend Snyder but to see things from Rivera’s perspective.

Rivera went on to discuss his mother’s passing and how Snyder was there for him.

Finally, Rivera said the following regarding Snyder:

“Why can’t we go off of the person he is right now?”

Remember, Rivera is speaking only on his dealings with Snyder. It would be hard for those who worked for Snyder or felt wronged by Snyder to feel the same way.

Rivera discussed more with Standig, who also interviewed team president Jason Wright, which is absolutely worth checking out here.

Jerry Jones wants the NFL’s investigation into Dan Snyder released

Why? Because he says he knows everything in the report.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder go way back. When Snyder bought the Washington franchise in 1999, Jones quickly took Snyder under his wing. And despite the pair owning rival organizations, they’ve remained close throughout the years, with many describing Jones as Snyder’s biggest — and sometimes only — ally.

There have been questions the pair aren’t as close as they were in the past. Something Jones has acknowledged but dismissed any notion that there was friction between him and Snyder.

At the NFL owners meetings this week, Jones fielded questions about the Snyders and the potential sale of the Commanders. He called the Washington franchise a “national treasure,” noting its importance to the NFL.

On Tuesday, Jones took more questions on the Commanders, one of which was regarding the NFL’s investigation into Snyder, led by Mary Jo White.

Jones wants the NFL to release the entire White report when it is complete. White’s investigation began in February 2022 and could be completed at any time.

Why would Jones want the NFL to release the results of White’s investigation?

“Because I know everything in the report,” Jones said.

He didn’t elaborate on what he meant. Presumably, he didn’t think the report would be too damning from Snyder’s perspective. Obviously, that’s speculation, but Jones has said before at least one of the investigations into Snyder and Washington was “stupid” and “politically biased.”

Jones spoke on the same day that Washington reportedly received a pair of $6 billion bids for the franchise.

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Report: Dan Snyder has declined to be interviewed in Mary Jo White’s investigation

When will this be over?

Remember when the NFL hired Mary Jo White, the former chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, last February to lead another investigation into Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder?

That investigation remains ongoing, with other allegations surfacing over the past 13 months. In November, it was revealed that Snyder had hired Bank of America to explore potential transactions of the Commanders.

The Commanders released a statement after the NFL hired White, pledging full cooperation with the league’s investigation.

Here’s that statement:

The Washington Commanders are pleased that the NFL has appointed Mary Jo White to look into the recent allegations made by Tiffani Johnston. The Commanders have always been intent on having a full and fair investigation of this matter conducted and to releasing the results of that investigation. Given the Team’s confidence in Ms. White’s ability to conduct such a full and fair investigation, the Commanders will not separately pursue an investigation and will cooperate fully with Ms. White.

Well, according to a new report from Mark Maske, Liz Clarke and Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post, Snyder has declined to be interviewed by White.

The Post indicates that White plans to attempt to interview Snyder one more time before completing her investigation, but it’s not known if Snyder will agree to speak with her.

NFL owners and top executives reported to Phoenix, Arizona, this weekend for the league’s annual meetings. At one time, the fate of the Commanders was expected to be a major topic; however, Snyder and Washington are not currently on the agenda. The Commanders’ prospective sale is expected to be discussed during the owners’ privileged sessions Monday and Tuesday.

The Washington Post reached out to the NFL, Mary Jo White and the Commanders. The NFL refused to comment, White did not respond and the Commanders called it a “matter between the club and the League.”

We’ll continue to follow this story.

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Are the results of the NFL’s investigation into Daniel Snyder coming soon?

More trouble coming for Dan Snyder?

It’s been another tough week for embattled Washington Commanders owner Daniel Snyder.

First, there was The Washington Post report Monday indicating that Snyder wanted indemnification from the NFL and other owners from future liabilities if he sells the team. Then, on Tuesday, Don Van Natta Jr. of ESPN dropped the bombshell report centering on Snyder and an alleged $55 million loan that caused the initial rift between him and his former co-owners.

Since writing his story, Van Natta has appeared on virtually every D.C. sports radio station or podcast over the last two days discussing his report. And in an appearance on the “Hoffman Show” on Team 980 with Craig Hoffman, Van Natta indicated more trouble could be coming for Snyder.

The NFL investigation into Snyder and the Commanders, led by former Securities and Exchange Commission chair and U.S. attorney Mary Jo White, could be finishing up soon.

“My understanding is the report is coming soon,” Van Natta said. “I’ve had a couple of sources tell me that.”

On Wednesday, Lisa Banks, one of the attorneys for the 40 former Commanders employees, was a guest on “Grant and Danny” on 106.7 The Fan and echoed a similar sentiment, per Grant Paulsen.

At this point, you wonder if the timing of these is strategic to keep the pressure on Snyder to sell. Or, perhaps, it’s just coincidental, as White’s investigation began over one year ago, in February 2022.

Regardless, this can’t be good news for Snyder.

Jim Irsay isn’t ready to vote Dan Snyder out, wants to hear from fellow owners

Jim Irsay speaks on Daniel Snyder and the Commanders at league meetings.

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay shocked the NFL world at the October owner’s meetings when he came out strong against Washington Commanders owner Daniel Snyder.

“I believe there is merit to removing him as owner,” Irsay said. In follow-up discussions with the media, Irsay didn’t just stand by his comments; he doubled down.

“I don’t not feel it’s in the best interests of the shield and the NFL,” Irsay said about Snyder’s ownership. “This is not how we should be represented, and it’s regrettable that we have to be in this position.”

So, when the NFL convened in Dallas for league meetings this week, every reporter was looking for Irsay. However, Irsay’s tone was a bit different this time around, although his opinion hasn’t necessarily changed.

“I’m not ready to vote him out,” Irsay said per Schuyler Dixon of the Associated Press. “I need to hear more of my partners talk. It’s been something where you want to get more information about everything is the key.”

Daniel Snyder wasn’t in Dallas for the meeting, but his wife and co-owner, Tanya, along with team president Jason Wright represented Washington.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell briefly discussed the Commanders Wednesday, stating only that he didn’t have any “expectations” of a sale.

Irsay was also asked if he thought Snyder selling the team would be a better alternative than the owners voting to force him out.

“I think that’s something that’s certainly a better solution if it came to that,” Irsay said.

Snyder hired Bank of America recently to explore possible transactions with the franchise, leading many to believe it would be a complete sale.

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Report: Commanders owner Daniel Snyder has ‘dirt’ on other NFL owners

A new report alleges Snyder has “dirt” on other NFL owners and says they “can’t f— with me.”

ESPN released a report on Thursday morning regarding Washington Commanders owner Daniel Snyder ahead of next week’s NFL owner’s meeting.

The report, from Seth Wickersham, Don Van Natta Jr. and Tisha Thompson, claims to have over 30 sources, ranging from other NFL owners to former Washington team executives.

Here are some excerpts from that report, in which Snyder believes he has gathered enough secrets to “blow up” the NFL.

“They can’t f— with me,” Snyder is reported to have said in regard to other owners.

The report says the NFL is aware that Snyder is “tracking” other owners and that Snyder has lost the support of longtime ally, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. According to the report’s multiple sources, Snyder has hired private investigators to look into other owners and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

“Snyder’s already lost Jerry,” the report said, stating that Jones told confidants he “might not be able” to protect the Washington owner any longer. The report also states that Snyder has “badmouthed” Jones and has “file” on him although the two were spotted with one another at midfield during the recent Washington/Dallas game at AT&T Stadium. It was the first time Snyder had been seen at a game this season.

The Commanders released a statement denying the soured relationship between Snyder and Jones saying he [Snyder] and his wife Tanya “have a close and strong relationship with Jerry Jones and his entire family” and “great respect and admiration for one another.”

Other quotes from the report:

“He thinks he’s got stuff on Roger [Goodell].”

A former Washington executive calls Snyder “the most powerful owner in the NFL” because of what he knows about other NFL owners.

Snyder, who is under investigation by the NFL and Congress, feels as if he’s “backed into a corner” and “he’s behaving like a mad dog cornered.”

“The NFL is a mafia,” he allegedly told an associate. “All the owners hate each other.”

Another NFL owner had the following response:

“That’s not true,” the owner said. “All the owners hate Dan.”

Much more is contained in the report. It’s worth noting that the team released a statement.

A team spokesperson called it “simply ridiculous and utterly false” that Snyder ever said that he could blow up the league, or that the league “can’t f—” with him, or that “the NFL is a mafia” or “all owners hate each other.”

The Commanders [1-4] happen to play Thursday night against the Chicago Bears [2-3] in a must-win game for the franchise.

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Could other NFL owners finally have had enough of Commanders owner Daniel Snyder?

Snyder remains under investigation.

Could the end be near for Washington Commanders owner Daniel Snyder? A recent report from The Washington Post says that some NFL owners believe they could convince Snyder to sell, or the other owners could have enough votes to force Snyder to sell the franchise.

All things on the Snyder front have been quiet since he agreed to testify before Congress in July. Former Washington team president Bruce Allen was questioned recently for 10 hours about the franchise’s former workplace culture. In addition to the Congressional investigation, the NFL is conducting an investigation led by Mary Jo White.

Here is an excerpt of the report, written by Nicki Jhabvala, Liz Clarke and Mark Maske:

Multiple owners said in recent days that they believe serious consideration may be given to attempting to oust Snyder from the league’s ownership ranks, either by convincing him to sell his franchise or by voting to remove him.

This report comes on the heels of NBA owner Robert Sarver agreeing to sell the Phoenix Suns and his WNBA franchise, the Phoenix Mercury after the NBA suspended Sarver for one year and fined him $10 million after an investigation uncovered Sarver made racist, sexist and misogynistic comments over the years.

Washington fans shouldn’t get their hopes with this latest report as two other owners expressed skepticism.

A third owner said recently that a move to oust Snyder would be surprising, adding that the franchise currently is more stable than it has been at other points of Snyder’s ownership. A fourth owner said this week he doesn’t know enough about “the process” and is unsure whether other owners will convince Snyder to sell or vote to compel a sale. That owner added he has insufficient information about the situation, in part because White’s investigation remains ongoing.

Snyder’s wife and co-owner, Tanya, has represented the Commanders at NFL owner’s meetings recently as Daniel Snyder stepped back from day-to-day operations.

There is no timetable for the conclusion of White’s investigation, meaning Snyder will remain Washington’s owner for the time being.