Former Washington Commanders owner Daniel Snyder has been hit with a massive $60 million fine by the NFL following a 17-month investigation into allegations of misconduct and financial improprieties made by former team employees. The investigation, led by Mary Jo White and her team, involved interviews with 44 witnesses and a thorough review of over 10,000 documents.
The investigation uncovered evidence supporting claims of sexual harassment made by former employee Tiffani Johnston against Snyder. The report revealed that Snyder had allegedly put his hand on Johnston’s thigh without consent and pushed her towards his car after a team-related dinner. Additionally, allegations of financial misconduct made by former team executive Jason Friedman were also substantiated.
One disturbing finding was that a senior executive in the team had inappropriately obtained and viewed an unedited calendar photograph of Johnston. However, it remains unclear whether Snyder was directly involved in this incident. The report also supported Friedman’s claims of the team hiding shared revenue from the NFL, although Snyder’s direct involvement in this practice remains uncertain.
Reacting to the findings, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed gratitude for the investigation and stated that such behavior has no place in the NFL. Snyder and the team’s lack of cooperation during the investigation were also noted, as Snyder initially refused to be interviewed and critical documents were withheld by the team.
Attorneys representing the former employees, including Johnston and Friedman, praised their clients’ courage in coming forward and claimed vindication for them. In a positive development, the Commanders agreed to release former employees from non-disclosure agreements, giving them the freedom to speak openly about their experiences. However, some former executives declined to be interviewed, limiting the investigation’s ability to determine the full extent of financial misconduct.
The staggering $60 million fine imposed on Snyder amounts to nearly 1 percent of the team’s value. Snyder recently sold the Commanders to Josh Harris for a record-breaking $6.05 billion, making it the most expensive North American sports franchise. This is the second fine levied against Snyder, following a previous $10 million fine and temporary relinquishment of day-to-day operations of the team in 2021 due to workplace misconduct.
For those interested, the full report can be accessed online, providing detailed insights into the investigation and the wrongdoing discovered. As this scandal continues to unfold, it serves as a stark reminder that even the world of celebrity beauty can be marred by serious misconduct and financial improprieties.
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