Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder has been controversial since he bought the NFL franchise, and that was before he was embroiled in multiple scandals, including sexual harassment, toxic work culture, and financial impropriety that includes trying to short-change his fellow owners.
There’s been a growing rumble that the rest of the NFL would simply love to see Snyder removed from their ranks and a recent Washington Post report seems to confirm that it’s getting louder.
“There’s certainly concern,” an anonymous NFL owner told WaPo. “There’s anger. But there’s quite a difference between wishing he was gone and taking steps to force him out.
“It all depends on the report. We’ll have to see. I would think a tough suspension could be in order.”
The report in question is the one being conducted by attorney Mary Jo White, who is investigating the latest sexual harassment allegations (but not the first) against the Commanders and Snyder.
Two other owners told WaPo they were not aware of any impending vote to remove Snyder.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was asked about the situation on Tuesday and he also said that he was not aware of any attempt by NFL owners to force Snyder to sell the team.
“I’m not aware of that at all,” Goodell said at a news conference. “I don’t respond much to speculation, particularly one that I don’t know has any fact basis.”
According to league bylaws, it would require a vote by at least 24 of the 32 team owners in order to force Snyder out.
The commissioner did leave the door open for further discussion, however, noting that he was waiting to find out what the investigation might tell him about the situation.
“Let’s wait and get the facts,” Goodell said.
Of course, trusting the NFL to do the right thing has never been a safe bet, but Snyder’s ongoing bad PR, coupled with the allegations he withheld profits from other owners, certainly could be enough to get him ousted.
[WaPo]
