Tag: Tanya Snyder

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.

NFL hires Mary Jo White to investigate new allegations against Washington owner Daniel Snyder

The big takeaway — there will be a written report.

On late Friday afternoon, Mark Maske of the Washington Post reported the NFL had hired Mary Jo White to investigate the latest allegations against Washington Commanders owner Daniel Snyder.

White is a former United States attorney for the Southern District of New York. Perhaps the most important takeaway from the NFL’s hiring of White to handle the Washington investigation is White led the league’s investigation into former Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson in 2018.

There will be a written report this time around, and it will be released publicly once the investigation is complete. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will decide if any further punishment for Snyder or Washington is warranted. The NFL fined Washington $10 million after Beth Wilkinson completed her investigation last year. Snyder wasn’t suspended, but he did step away from day-to-day operations for some time, and his wife, co-owner Tanya Snyder, assumed a more prominent role.

The latest allegations against Snyder originated at the Congressional roundtable on Feb. 3. Former team employee Tiffani Johnston accused Snyder of inappropriately touching her and attempting to push her into a waiting limousine after a business dinner.

Snyder denied the allegations.

Washington announced it was hiring an outside firm to investigate the claims but the NFL quickly stepped in and said it would be leading the investigation.

Will Dan Snyder soon be forced to sell the Washington Commanders?

It’s been a tough week for Washington owner Daniel Snyder — and it could become a lot worse.

The biggest day of the NFL year — Super Bowl Sunday — wouldn’t be complete without news on Washington owner Daniel Snyder and the ongoing controversy surrounding the investigation into the team’s toxic workplace culture.

To be fair, this is old news. Early last March, the “Sports Junkies” from 106.7 The Fan in Washington, D.C., had received information that one of the recommendations from Beth Wilkinson was for Snyder to sell the team.

Here’s what Jason Bishop of the “Junkies” said, per Audacy.com:

On Friday morning, we reported on excerpts of a report prepared by the NFL’s independent investigator into the Washington Football Team, Beth Wilkinson. We believed, based on information provided to us by our source, that the report was final and had been delivered to the NFL League Office. The League has denied receiving a final report, however, both in a general statement and in response to specific questions from us. Based on those unequivocal denials, we now believe that our source was mistaken and that the excerpts of the report that were shared with us have not yet been sent to the NFL. We do believe in the authenticity of the documents we reviewed, and that they are from the Wilkinson investigation, but we are unable to confirm that the report was a final draft or that it had been delivered to the League Office. As soon as we are able to report anything further on this, we will let you know – both as to what occurred in our Friday report and regarding the Wilkinson investigation generally.

The statement above was from Bishop after the “Junkies” original statement just days before, where they had received information that the NFL should “force the owner to divest his ownership of the team.”

Another option, per the “Junkies” at the time, was “suspend the owner for a significant period to allow the club time to repair its infrastructure and culture.”

As we know, the organization would receive a fine — not Snyder personally — and he would step away from day-to-day operations for a time, leading his wife and co-owner, Tanya Snyder, to assume a more significant role.

But many questioned, was that really punishment?

Back to “The Junkies” report from last March. At the time, many didn’t take the information seriously, perhaps because the “Junkies” were not actual reporters. But, the popular longtime radio show hosts have broken several stories over the years.

Now, that report has received newfound attention. Here’s what Ben Standig of The Athletic tweeted Sunday.

The perpetually unhappy Mike Florio has also discussed that previous report this week, noting that if the NFL brings Wilkinson back in for their investigation into the latest claims by former team employee Tiffani Johnston, it could spell bad news for Snyder.

Washington fans have clamored for Snyder to sell the team for years, but most felt hopeless. Fans walked away, quit watching on television and stopped going to games.

While there is still a long way to go before something like this happens, the smoke seems real. Are the other 31 NFL owners prepared for what Snyder may reveal if they collectively force him out?

 

Washington owner Dan Snyder comments on new name

Dan and Tanya Snyder speak on Washington’s new name.

The Washington Football Team is no more. On Wednesday morning, Washington officially revealed its new name to be the Commanders.

The reactions are mixed, with many initially not liking the new name. Team co-owner Dan Snyder spoke to the media after Washington’s name reveal.

“Welcome to the not-best-kept secret in D.C,” Snyder said. Good morning; thank you so much for joining us today. Today is a big day for our team, our fans. A day in which we embark on a new chapter as the Washington Commanders.”

 

Snyder’s wife, co-owner Tanya Snyder, was outside the team’s store and thanked the fans in attendance. She also said she would buy each fan something for being there.

 

PFT sharply criticizes Snyders and Jason Wright

There was an interesting discussion on Pro Football Talk regarding Washington’s potential new name.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=none image=https://washingtonfootballwire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

If you ever wondered what the NFL media circles REALLY think of the current WFT leadership, Pro Football Talk with Mike Florio and Charean Williams left no doubt.

Florio did seek to clarify early that he was not criticizing Ron Rivera, and that he has “a ton of respect for Ron Rivera. He (Rivera) is the best thing they have going by far.”

Regarding the news that WashingtonAdmirals.com rerouted directly to the WFT site, Florio inquired, “What would be the reason to own that domain, and have it direct to your team name, if it is not going to be your new team name? “I think the more likely explanation is that somebody screwed something up.”

Williams then reminded the audience that Tanya Snyder had read the list of the 8 finalists, “Armada, Presidents, Brigade, Redhawks, Commanders, Defenders and the WFT.” Did you notice that is only seven names?

Even then, they could not get their story straight on whether there were or were not eight finalists,” expressed Florio. “Jason Wright said it wasn’t the eight names, Tanya Snyder said it was the eight names. What the _ _ _ _ is wrong with this team, that they can’t execute the simplest of (pause)?

It is (pause) Williams suggested “dysfunctional”, to which Florio insisted, “It is comical. It is beyond dysfunctional. It is laughable. It is good for entertainment…”

Williams was perhaps cynical regarding the new uniforms, “If you stay the same (WFT) you are not going to sell any new merchandise, which is the whole goal of this thing. Let’s be honest about it. It is to sell the merchandise.”

“I was really hoping for Red Tails, Mike. That doesn’t look like it will be the name. But that is the one I would have voted on,” conveyed Williams.

Florio analyzed, “A majority of the people (fans) are going to be upset with the final name, whatever it is… Again, dysfunction. Dysfunctional teams do dysfunctional things.”

There is more; here is the link:

 

 

Washington co-CEO Tanya Snyder addresses fans at fan appreciation day

Tanya Snyder addressed fans at fan appreciation day. She even tossed souvenirs to fans.

The Washington Football Team wrapped up their short week in Richmond with fan appreciation day on Saturday. The team reported on Tuesday and began practice on Wednesday.

Now, Washington heads back to Ashburn for the remainder of camp.

Fan appreciation day was unlike any other in recent memory. Gone were the players going to the fence to take pictures and sign autographs for fans. Perhaps that will return in 2022.

There was the new dance team, which performed for fans on Saturday. Also new this year was the owner addressing the fans.

No, it wasn’t Dan Snyder who addressed fans. It was his wife — co-CEO — Tanya Snyder, who addressed and spent time throwing souvenirs to lucky fans.

Thank you so much for coming today. There’s a lot in store so please stick around. We just wanna say, everybody, starting with Coach — we got a great, new, fabulous coach — we are in a new era with Ron Rivera, and everybody is definitely showing up. They promised us, you heard our players, they’re going to show up for you. So please show up for them.

The final part of her speech felt more like a pep rally, which the folks in Richmond loved.

I have been on the sidelines for 22 years, and I’m much more active and involved now with my husband. We couldn’t be more excited about our new leadership. They are wonderful, so strong outside of football, and the best in their class in everything they’ve done. You’re going to see a lot of growth, listening to our fans, and we want to see you in the stadium. So, thank you again for coming today and we look forward to seeing you next Friday.

It’s a new day in Washington. From Ron Rivera to Jason Wright to Tanya Snyder, fans are actually buying in once again. Next up is filling FedEx Field with burgundy & gold.

Washington owner Dan Snyder gets off easy with fine

Washington owner Daniel Snyder was fined $10 million last week. He truly got off easy.

It’s not often you are fined $10 million and somehow appear unscathed.

Well, most people aren’t NFL owners, where a $10 million fine is a drop in the bucket for one of the richest and most powerful men in the United States.

The NFL fined the Washington Football Team and owner Daniel Snyder $10 million last week for the rampant misconduct in the organization during his tenure as owner. Snyder immediately released a statement through the team’s official website, where he ultimately pleaded ignorance.

This is the first paragraph of Snyder’s statement:

I have learned a lot in the past few months about how my club operated, and the kind of workplace that we had. It is now clear that the culture was not what it should be, but I did not realize the extent of the problems, or my role in allowing that culture to develop and continue. I know that as the owner, I am ultimately responsible for the workplace. I have said that and I say it again.

Also, in his statement, Snyder said he would step aside from the day-to-day operations of the team for the next several months, and co-CEO — Snyder’s wife Tanya — would oversee the team and represent the club in all league matters.

There was no suspension for Snyder. Sure, some would interpret his stepping away from day-to-day management of the team as a suspension, but it isn’t. If Snyder was going to be suspended, the NFL would have announced it.

Instead, the fine is paid, Snyder says he is backing off, and before you know it, he is back like nothing ever happened.

Mark Maske of the Washington Post did say NFL commissioner Roger Goodell would have to approve of Snyder’s return to daily control of the team.

Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post summarized the NFL’s “punishment” perfectly.

Beth Wilkinson’s investigation into Washington’s workplace culture lasted for close to one year. Ultimately, the team was fined $10 million, yet there is no written report for the public to review? Don’t blame Wilkinson.

Snyder can still court investors, work on a new stadium, but gets a vacation of sorts from running the team on a day-to-day basis. Oh, and he can still attend games.

Does anyone believe Snyder isn’t going to be heavily involved in day-to-day operations when his wife is the co-CEO? Sure, he won’t be in Ashburn every day, but this is 2021; there are plenty of ways he can stay involved.

Through Wilkinson’s investigation, the NFL determined that many allegations involving the misconduct, particularly toward women, did exist. They admitted so in a statement. However, instead of truly punishing Snyder, they helped him buy out his former minority owners to take 100% control of the franchise.

What kind of message does that send?

Over the past year, there were plenty of rumors about what would happen to Snyder at the end of Wilkinson’s investigation. Most realized nothing of consequence would happen, such as forcing him to sell, because other NFL owners feared the bad precedent that could set.

The NFL hopes Snyder has learned his lesson. Perhaps he has. But there are over 20 years of data points suggesting otherwise.

There is hope for fans of the Washington Football Team, though. Snyder’s hiring of head coach Ron Rivera and team president Jason Wright have ushered in a new era. In addition to Rivera and Wright, Washington has also hired several other talented and diverse leaders, signifying a positive organizational shift.

Rivera and Wright are respected around the league and are good human beings. That cannot be overlooked. The franchise is actually making sound decisions, earning respect from other teams and fans.

On the field, it certainly feels like Washington is turning the corner. But we’ll know for sure after the 2021 season. It’s important to remember; the Football Team did finish 7-9 last season.

As for Snyder, he and the organization will pay the fine, say a lesson was learned and return to the team. Only time well if he’s truly changed.

NFL fines Washington $10 million after workplace culture investigation

The NFL fines Washington $10 million. New co-CEO, Tanya Snyder, will represent the WFT in all league activities.

One year ago, the Washington Post released a bombshell report of sexual harassment within the front office of the Washington Football Team, which led to multiple executives losing their jobs.

Washington owner Dan Snyder hired powerful attorney Beth Wilkinson to conduct a thorough internal investigation into the conduct. On Thursday, the NFL announced it had fined Washington $10 million after completing the investigation.

Snyder released a statement shortly thereafter, per Washington’s official website:

I have learned a lot in the past few months about how my club operated, and the kind of workplace that we had. It is now clear that the culture was not what it should be, but I did not realize the extent of the problems, or my role in allowing that culture to develop and continue. I know that as the owner, I am ultimately responsible for the workplace. I have said that and I say it again.

I feel great remorse for the people who had difficult, even traumatic, experiences while working here. I’m truly sorry for that. I can’t turn back the clock, but I promise that nobody who works here will ever have that kind of experience again, at least not as long as Tanya and I are the owners of this team.

Over the last 18 months we have made a lot of changes. We have a new and diverse leadership team, a comprehensive program of training, culture surveys, and employee support, and a commitment to ensuring that every employee of the Washington Football Club comes to a professional and respectful workplace every day. And while there has been real progress, we are not finished, and will continue to improve in every way that we can.

I appreciate the people who came forward and intend fully to implement all of the recommendations coming out of the investigation. Going forward, my focus will be on making the Washington Football Team a source of pride to all of its employees, fans and partners, including my partners in the NFL.

I agree with the Commissioner’s decisions in this matter and am committed to implementing his investigation’s important recommendations. Tanya will assume the responsibilities of CEO and will oversee all day-to-day team operations and represent the club on all league activities. I will concentrate my time during the next several months on developing a new stadium plan and other matters.

Earlier this week, Snyder announced his wife, Tanya, would now have the co-CEO title and take a more active role in the day-to-day management of the franchise.

Washington names Tanya Snyder as co-CEO of the franchise

Tanya Snyder, the wife of Washington Football Team owner Dan Snyder, is now co-CEO of the franchise along with her husband.

The leadership changes continue for the Washington Football Team as owner Daniel Snyder announced that his wife, Tanya, will be co-CEO of the franchise on Tuesday.

The Snyder family purchased the team in 1999, and Mrs. Snyder has always been very involved with the philanthropic side of the franchise. In the past year, with the various scandals surrounding the team, she has taken a more public role in the team.

Dan Snyder released the following statement via the team’s official website.

Tanya is one of the most important figures in this organization, and that has only become more true over the last 18 months as her involvement has deepened. Publicly, many know Tanya for her incredible and impactful work in breast cancer awareness and her leadership of our charitable foundation. But behind the scenes, she has had a profound impact on the direction of the Washington Football Team. She was instrumental in our decision to evolve the brand and modernize our fan experience – including the entertainment team.

Since 2000, Mrs. Snyder has led the Washington Football Charitable Foundation.

In response to her new title, Tanya Snyder had the following to say:

This team is our family’s legacy. We are at a pivotal point in the history of this team as we work to become the gold standard of NFL franchises. The co-CEO titles reflect our approach to that effort. It is a natural progression, but it’s important to formally recognize the diversity of opinion and perspective that informs everything we do. In my new role, I’ll be positioned to ensure the core values that are central to our philanthropy permeate the entire organization and bring us closer to realizing our goals.

The Snyder’s gained complete control of the franchise earlier this year after buying out the three previous minority owners who were in a bitter dispute with Dan Snyder.

Mrs. Snyder joins team president Jason Wright, head coach Ron Rivera, senior vice president of media, Julie Donaldson and general manager Martin Mayhew in a diverse leadership for Washington.

“Tanya has always been my closest confidant and most important advisor, but her role has outgrown such informal titles,” said Dan Snyder. “The perspective she brings to this organization is invaluable, and I am incredibly proud to recognize it with a fitting title: CEO.”