Title: Washington Commanders Owner Dan Snyder Fined $60 Million for Sexual Harassment and Revenue Withholding
Introduction
The National Football League (NFL) has announced that Washington Commanders owner, Dan Snyder, has been fined $60 million for sexual harassment and overseeing the deliberate withholding of millions of dollars in revenue from other clubs. This decision comes after an independent investigation led by former Securities and Exchange Commission chair, Mary Jo White, and her law firm, Debevoise & Plimpton. In this article, we will delve into the details of the investigation and its findings.
Investigation Reveals Sexual Harassment and Revenue Withholding
The 23-page report released by the NFL outlines the findings of the investigation into Dan Snyder’s conduct. It reveals that Snyder sexually harassed a former team employee, Tiffani Johnston. Johnston had previously made these allegations in front of a House committee. According to the report, Snyder placed his hand on Johnston’s thigh during a team dinner and pushed her towards his car as they left the restaurant.
In addition to the sexual harassment allegations, the investigation also uncovered financial improprieties within the Washington Commanders organization. The report states that the team deliberately withheld $11 million in revenue that should have been shared with other teams. However, it suggests that the actual amount withheld may be much higher. The investigation was unable to reach a conclusion on the total amount due to a lack of cooperation from Snyder and the team.
Snyder’s Denial and Lack of Cooperation
Dan Snyder has consistently denied Johnston’s allegations of sexual harassment. He reiterated his denial during an interview with investigators from White’s law firm. However, the report highlights that Snyder only agreed to speak with investigators for one hour, limiting their ability to gather comprehensive information.
On the financial front, witnesses informed investigators that Snyder exerted pressure on team employees to improve the organization’s financial performance, emphasizing that “every dollar matters.” While the report does not directly implicate Snyder in the financial improprieties, it reveals that documents detailing the movement of revenue into accounts that shielded the money from other teams were shared with him on at least one occasion.
Consequences and Commissioner’s Statement
As a result of the investigation’s findings, Dan Snyder has agreed to pay a $60 million fine. Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed his disapproval of Snyder’s conduct, stating that it has no place in the NFL. Goodell emphasized the league’s commitment to creating safe, respectful, and professional workplaces, adding that what Tiffani Johnston experienced was inappropriate and contrary to the NFL’s values.
Credibility of Tiffani Johnston’s Allegations
The report highlights that investigators found Tiffani Johnston to be highly credible during their multiple interviews with her. Her account of the sexual harassment incident was corroborated by witnesses and other evidence. This further strengthens the validity of her allegations against Dan Snyder.
Conclusion
The NFL’s independent investigation into Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder has revealed disturbing findings. Snyder has been fined $60 million for sexual harassment and overseeing the deliberate withholding of revenue from other clubs. The report substantiates Tiffani Johnston’s allegations of sexual harassment, while also shedding light on financial improprieties within the organization. Commissioner Roger Goodell has emphasized the league’s commitment to maintaining safe and respectful workplaces. This case serves as a reminder that inappropriate conduct will not be tolerated in the NFL, and steps will be taken to ensure accountability and uphold the league’s values.