NFL slaps outgoing DC Commanders owner with $60 million fine
The National Football League (NFL) has fined former Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder $60m after a 17-month long investigation.
The investigation concluded that Snyder sexually harassed a former employee and that the team intentionally underreported revenues to the NFL.
Snyder has called the misconduct allegations “outright lies”.
This comes after NFL owners approved Snyder’s sale of the team.
In 2022, former team employee Tiffani Johnston, a former cheerleader and marketing employee, told the House Oversight Committee that Snyder had made “sexual advances” during a networking event, placing his hand on her thigh under a table.
He later allegedly pushed her towards the back of his vehicle to have her join him after the dinner. He has denied these claims.
Independent investigator Mary Jo White, former chair of the US Securities and Exchange Commission, said in the 23 page report that Ms Johnston was found to be “highly credible”.
“The conduct substantiated in Ms White’s findings has no place in the NFL,” said NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. “We strive for workplaces that are safe, respectful and professional. What Ms Johnston experienced is inappropriate and contrary to the NFL’s values.”
Ms White and her colleagues reviewed over 10,000 documents, interviewed dozens of witnesses, sometimes more than once, and received assistance from a team of forensic accountants.
Along with corroborating evidence, the report notes testimony from four witnesses, who recalled Ms Johnston telling them about the incident with Mr Snyder shortly after.
