NFL Fines Former Washington Commanders Owner Dan Snyder $60 Million Over Claims of Sexual Harassment and Financial Misconduct
Former Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder has been fined $60 million by the NFL following an independent investigation led by Attorney Mary Jo White. The investigation concluded that Snyder sexually harassed a team employee and that the team had withheld revenue from the league.
The findings were revealed during a special session with the league’s owners, coinciding with the announcement of the sale of the Commanders to Josh Harris for a staggering $6.05 billion.
During her investigation, White interviewed 44 former employees, but some high-ranking officials declined to cooperate. The investigation was launched in February 2022, prompted by Tiffani Johnston’s allegation of sexual harassment against Snyder. Johnston claimed that Snyder put his hand on her leg during a work-related dinner and attempted to force her into his limousine afterward. Jason Friedman, another former employee, corroborated Johnston’s testimony.
Snyder vehemently denied the allegations, but White found Johnston’s claims to be credible after interviewing her and speaking with others she had confided in. The report confirmed that Johnston’s allegations of sexual harassment were “sustained.”
White’s investigation also supported Friedman’s allegations of financial improprieties by the team. Friedman revealed ways in which the team shielded revenue from the NFL, which would have been distributed among the owners.
The investigation identified around $11 million in revenues that the team appeared to have improperly withheld from sharing, violating NFL policies. White’s report also mentioned that additional ticket, parking, and other revenues were transferred from a shareable account to non-shareable ones, but the total amount couldn’t be determined.
While White’s findings didn’t conclusively establish whether Snyder directed or personally participated in the financial misconduct, they indicated that he was aware of efforts to minimize revenue sharing, some of which violated NFL rules. The investigation suggested that Snyder fostered a culture that pressured employees to cut costs and improve the club’s financial performance.
Friedman’s claims were further substantiated by emails from numerous employees, including one employee jokingly stating that if the NFL had a jail, the team would be in it.
White’s investigation included the assistance of forensic accountants, who found that a significant portion of $44 million transferred from shareable to non-shareable revenue might have been improperly shielded.
In addition to financial misconduct, the investigation also found that the team under Snyder failed to return security deposits in a timely manner and to remit unclaimed security deposits promptly.
Attorney Lisa Banks, who represented Johnston and Friedman, expressed satisfaction with the report, considering it a vindication for her clients. However, she criticized the NFL’s handling of the situation, questioning why Snyder was allowed to retain ownership despite numerous allegations against him.
As the NFL imposes a substantial fine on Dan Snyder and a new era begins with the sale of the Commanders, the league and its owners face calls for more accountability and measures to address the damage caused to those affected by Snyder’s actions and the organization’s financial misconduct.
Information for this story was found via The New York Times, The Bleacher Report, ESPN, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
