The National Football League (NFL) recently concluded an investigation into the workplace culture at the Washington Commanders, shedding light on allegations of misconduct and impropriety under former owner Dan Snyder. Former United States Attorney and SEC Chair Mary Jo White, along with the firm of Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, conducted the extensive investigation in response to growing concerns raised before Congress. The release of the investigation’s findings has brought to light serious allegations, including instances of sexual harassment and financial improprieties that have rocked the organization.
The investigation by Ms. White uncovered numerous credible allegations of sexual harassment involving Dan Snyder. Tiffani Johnston, a former Washington Commanders cheerleader and marketing employee, testified before Congress, recounting an incident during which Snyder inappropriately touched her during a work-related dinner. Ms. Johnston further stated that Snyder attempted to coerce her into riding with him in his limousine. These alarming accounts were substantiated by the investigation, highlighting the pervasive misconduct that had taken place within the organization.
The report released by the NFL not only confirmed the allegations of sexual harassment but also shed light on a broader pattern of financial improprieties within the Commanders organization. Snyder and the franchise were accused of knowingly withholding and shielding shareable NFL revenues in violation of league policies. Despite being unable to definitively establish whether Snyder directly directed or participated in the improper shielding of revenues, the investigation found that the organization had failed to cooperate fully with the inquiry. It was determined that a minimum of $11 million was improperly withheld from revenue sharing.
Condemning the substantiated conduct revealed by the investigation, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell emphasized that such behavior has no place within the league. In response to the findings, Dan Snyder has agreed to pay a substantial $60 million to the NFL as an effort to resolve the issues raised in Ms. White’s report and settle all outstanding matters. This significant financial penalty aims to hold Snyder accountable for the workplace environment cultivated under his ownership.
Coinciding with the release of the investigation’s findings, NFL owners unanimously approved the sale of the Commanders from Dan Snyder to a new ownership group led by Josh Harris. This change in ownership signals a fresh start for the organization in its efforts to cultivate a safe, respectful, and professional workplace culture in line with the NFL’s values.
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