NFL Imposes $60 Million Fine on Dan Snyder and Releases Commanders Investigation Results After Team Sale
Former Washington Commanders owner, Dan Snyder, faced a hefty punishment from the NFL just as he bid farewell to the team. The league released findings from a comprehensive 17-month investigation into Snyder, announcing a staggering $60 million fine against him.
The investigation corroborated Tiffani Johnston’s allegations against Snyder, citing incidents where he put his hand on her thigh without consent and attempted to coerce her into joining him after a dinner by pushing her towards the back of a car seat.
Moreover, the investigation found evidence supporting claims that the club intentionally withheld approximately $11 million in shareable revenues. Snyder and the team were also reprimanded for their lack of cooperation during the investigation, which prolonged the process and hindered the its’s ability to ascertain the full extent of revenue shielding beyond the identified $11 million.
While the investigation pointed to misconduct and financial irregularities, it could not definitively determine the full extent of Snyder’s involvement and knowledge in these financial maneuvers.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed the league’s stance on the matter, stating, “The conduct substantiated in Ms. [Mary Jo] White’s findings has no place in the NFL. We strive for workplaces that are safe, respectful, and professional. What Ms. Johnston experienced is inappropriate and contrary to it’s values.”
The hefty fine also accounts for other unresolved matters related to Snyder’s tenure with the team. Over the years, Snyder faced mounting pressure to sell the franchise, particularly after the team changed its original Redskins name in response to racial unrest in 2020. Additionally, an investigation into alleged workplace misconduct resulted in a $10 million fine for the organization.
The scrutiny began in October 2021, with Congress launching an investigation into the team following allegations of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct triggered by leaked emails involving Commanders President Bruce Allen and former Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden.
Finally, the sale of the Commanders to the Josh Harris-led group was unanimously approved by owners, with the team fetching a reported $6.05 billion price tag. The Harris group includes long-time business partner David Blitzer, as well as NBA legend Magic Johnson and billionaire Mitchell Rales.
For Snyder, who initially acquired the Commanders for $750 million in 1999, the journey has been fraught with investigations by both the NFL and Congress, which ultimately intensified the calls for him to relinquish ownership of the team.
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Our Reader’s Queries
What did the Washington Commanders get fined for?
The NFL slapped the team with a hefty $10 million fine in 2021 following Wilkinson’s report exposing the franchise’s toxic work environment.
How much is Dan Snyder worth?
As of 11:47 pm on July 20, 2023, NBC Universal, Inc. reported that the NFL unanimously approved the transfer of ownership of the Commanders from Dan Snyder to a new group led by Josh Harris, co-owner of the Philadelphia 76ers.
What happened to the Washington Commanders owner?
Josh Harris and Mitchell Rales, the commanders’ owners, discuss the new stadium and potential team name.