Who is Washington Commanders’ owner Dan Snyder? Why is he being investigated?
Dan Snyder, who has owned the Commanders for over 20 years, is accused of fiscal improprieties, creating a toxic workplace, among other things
When the Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay told reporters Tuesday that the league would benefit from forcing Daniel Snyder to sell his team, the fate of the Washington Commanders’ owner changed.
Snyder, who has owned the Commanders (known as the Redskins back then) since 1999, faces two N.F.L. investigations, allegations of rampant sexual harassment of women employees and accusations of a toxic workpace for over 20 years.
Irsay on Snyder: “He needs to be removed”
Irsay, who was speaking during a one-day league meeting in New York, was the first NFL team owner to publicly vouch for Synder’s removal. Other team owners have just murmured privately about the tenure of Snyder’s ownership over the past year.
While this is a step forward, at least 24 of the league’s 32 owners would have to speak up against the 57-year-old.
“We have to act,” Irsay said. “He needs to be removed.”
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Why is Snyder being investigated?
Besides being accused of alleged sexual misconduct, Snyder is also under fire for underreporting ticket sales to gain personal tax benefits.
Last summer, the Commanders were fined $10 million after the NFL conducted its first investigation against Washington, concluding that they had hosted a “hostile workplace environment” for years under Snyder’s leadership. Additionally, over 40 former employees had both publicly and anonymously made allegations of sexual harassment or discrimination against the owner.
Snyder was then relegated from daily duties as team owner.
Second NFL investigation
This February, more allegations surfaced against Snyder. A second NFL investigation against him has started since, and is still ongoing. The Post noted Monday that “serious consideration may be given to attempting to oust Snyder from the league’s ownership ranks, either by convincing him to sell the franchise or by voting to remove him.”
An anonymous source also said that “Snyder will no longer be able to dodge subpoenas,” or avoid testifying or answering questions.”
Snyder and his wife, Tanya, who’s been acting as the unofficial owner since the 2021 NFL punishments, have consistently and forcefully denied all accusations of financial and personal misconduct.
The Commanders organization has been fully cooperative with the NFL investigation, proving that they have nothing to hide.