Just after the NFL officially transferred ownership of the Washington Commanders to a group led by Josh Harris, the league announced the results of a 17-month investigation into former owner Dan Snyder. The findings revealed that Snyder has been fined $60 million.
The investigation substantiated allegations made by Tiffani Johnston, who claimed Snyder touched her thigh without consent and attempted to pressure her into joining him in a car after a dinner. The investigation also confirmed allegations that the Commanders deliberately concealed around $11 million in revenue that should have been shared with the NFL.
The report further stated that Snyder and the Commanders organization hindered the investigation by failing to cooperate fully. This lack of cooperation prolonged the investigation and prevented the NFL from determining the full extent of the concealed revenue beyond the identified $11 million. The league was also unable to definitively ascertain Snyder's level of involvement in the financial irregularities.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell emphasized that the behavior confirmed by the investigation has no place within the league, stating, "What Ms. Johnston experienced is inappropriate and contrary to the NFL’s values." The $60 million fine encompasses all outstanding issues related to Snyder's conduct.
Snyder has been under intense scrutiny in recent years, facing mounting pressure to sell the team. This pressure followed the team's name change in 2020 amidst racial justice protests and a $10 million fine for workplace misconduct.
Congressional investigations into the team began in October 2021 following allegations of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct, which surfaced after the resignation of then-Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden due to leaked emails exchanged with former Commanders President Bruce Allen.
NFL owners unanimously approved the sale of the Commanders to the Harris group for a reported $6.05 billion. This group includes David Blitzer, Magic Johnson, and Mitchell Rales. Snyder originally purchased the team in 1999 for $750 million. After numerous investigations and escalating calls for his departure, the Snyders bought out minority owners in 2021 and subsequently hired Bank of America Securities to explore a potential sale in November of that year. This sale sets a new record, exceeding the $4.55 billion paid for the Denver Broncos by Robert Walton in 2022.
