Former Washington Commanders VP Jason Friedman Files Defamation Lawsuit Against Team and Attorney
By John Keim, ESPN Staff Writer
Jul 17, 2023, 03:02 PM ET
Jason Friedman, who previously testified before Congress about alleged financial improprieties by the Washington Commanders, has filed a defamation lawsuit against the team and one of its attorneys, John Brownlee. The suit was filed in Virginia’s Loudoun County District Court on July 7, requesting $7.5 million in compensatory damages, $350,000 in punitive damages, and a jury trial.
Friedman’s allegations first came to light during his closed-door testimony before the House Oversight Committee in March 2022. He accused the Commanders of financial improprieties, prompting the committee to send a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding the allegations. In response, the team denied the claims and provided emails and texts from Friedman to club officials.
The lawsuit claims that the team repeatedly called Friedman a liar, accused him of perjury, and falsely implied that he was terminated due to the team’s sexual harassment scandal. These false statements have allegedly caused severe personal and professional damage to Friedman, resulting in anxiety, depression, ongoing medical treatment, and difficulty finding comparable employment.
A spokesperson for the Commanders stated that they believe the complaint is without merit and will vigorously defend against the allegations. Attorney John Brownlee has not yet issued a statement regarding the lawsuit.
Friedman had worked for the organization for 24 years, starting in ticket sales and eventually becoming the vice president of sales and customer service. He was fired in the fall of 2020 after Jason Wright took over as team president. During his testimony, Friedman claimed that the team deliberately withheld funds from season-ticket holders’ security deposits and mischaracterized revenue.
In response to the lawsuit, one of Friedman’s attorneys, Lisa Banks, expressed confidence in his vindication through both the NFL’s investigation and the court of law. The suit argues that Friedman should not be considered a public figure since he testified behind closed doors.
The lawsuit also highlights Brownlee’s attempt to link Friedman to instances of sexual harassment within the organization during his tenure. In a radio interview with 106.7 The Fan, Brownlee referred to Friedman as part of the “very toxic work environment” that the team was trying to eliminate.
The Commanders have already reached settlements with the attorney general offices of Maryland and the District of Columbia, while Virginia’s attorney general continues to investigate the allegations. The U.S. Attorney’s office in the Eastern District of Virginia has also opened an investigation into potential financial improprieties by the team.
The NFL has appointed attorney Mary Jo White to conduct an investigation into owner Dan Snyder and the Commanders. Commissioner Roger Goodell has stated that he will release the findings of this probe once it is completed.
Congress previously investigated Snyder and the Commanders for nearly a year, but the matter was dropped when Republicans gained control of the House.
In conclusion, Jason Friedman’s defamation lawsuit against the Washington Commanders and attorney John Brownlee adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing controversies surrounding the team. As the NFL owners prepare to vote on the sale of the franchise, these legal proceedings highlight the potential consequences of allegations made against a professional sports organization. The outcome of this lawsuit and the ongoing investigations will undoubtedly shape the future of the Washington Commanders and their reputation within the league.