The NFL owners’ meeting in New York has brought a lot of attention into investigation into the Washington Football Team’s toxic workplace culture. On Wednesday, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis had two contrasting takes on the league’s handling of the matter.
Jones told reporters he is “very satisfied” with the handling of the investigation. Jones went as far as to say he spoke for all owners.
However, Davis sang a different tune. He first said there should have been a written report on the findings of the investigation.
Davis won’t comment on Daniel Snyder, WFT punishment, etc., saying only the NFL has all the information. So would Davis like to see a written report? “Yeah. Probably. … Especially with some of the things that were charged.”
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 27, 2021
Instead the attorney obtained, Beth Wilkinson, for the investigation provided results to the league verbally. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has since stated the reason for not having neither a written report nor releasing the findings publicly was to protect the anonymity of some of the Washington employees who came forward.
The only materials publicly known are the email leaks involving former Washington executive Bruce Allen. The most highlighted were those from former Raiders head coach Jon Gruden.
Gruden resigned shortly after his emails to Allen were revealed, containing racist, homophobic and misogynistic comments. Gruden’s emails took aim at NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith, Goodell, former NFL player Michael Sam and the introduction of female referees among other controversial topics.
Davis, who accepted Gruden’s resignation, says he takes issue with the timing of release of the emails.
Goodell has denied the league was the source of leaks to the Wall Street Journal and New York Times.
Jerry Jones has oftentimes presented himself as the mouthpiece of ownership around the league. It would be understandable if Jones and other owners want to close the book on the investigation.
But, Mark Davis and his team were directly affected by an investigation into another team. Davis agrees Gruden had to go considering his actions, but clearly he is taking issue with how the league is handling the situation.
