On Tuesday, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell addressed a number of topics involving the league, including the status of Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder following last year’s investigation into sexual misconduct within the team’s workplace environment.
“Dan Snyder has not been involved in day-to-day operations,” Goodell claimed per Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post. “Don’t believe he’s been at the facility at all, and when we continue to have league matters, Tanya has represented the team as the CEO both on a day-to-day basis, but also here with the league.
“She represented the club here and that will continue for at least the foreseeable future, but Dan and I will talk about that at some point.”
Fair enough explanation by Goodell. Except, for those who follow Snyder and the Commanders closely there were a number of holes in the commissioner’s comment.
The league’s investigation conducted by high-powered attorney Beth Wilkinson concluded in July of last year. As a result, the Commanders were fined $10 million.. Snyder also voluntarily stepped aside and relinquished control of day-to-day operations of the team. His wife, Tanya Snyder, was named co-CEO and assumed overseeing day-to-day operations.
This is all while Dan Snyder focused on securing a new stadium for the team and other team-related matters. Shortly afterwards, the Washington Post reported Snyder could not resume control of the team without the permission of Goodell.
The league and Snyder’s lawyers insisted the owner was not suspended. However, Goodell’s words Tuesday seemingly contradicted the claim when the commissioner said he and Snyder will have a talk about his role at some point.
Would Goodell stress Snyder’s lack of involvement with the team if Snyder was not suspended?
On the surface Mrs. Snyder runs the team. But, there have been noticeable signs to suggest otherwise. Goodell said he doesn’t believe Mr. Snyder has been at the team’s facility.
Now, Snyder has been seen at numerous Washington games. That was allowed through the “voluntary” agreement. He has also been at a number of team events, including the Commanders name reveal last month. But that was not at the team facility.
However, Commanders head coach Ron Rivera is on record suggesting he talks to Snyder often and passes by him in the team facility.
“Oh, probably once or twice a week,” Rivera said during an appearance on Team 980 in October. “Just depending on the situation, circumstances – if we run into each other around the facility or at the game or at the stadium or something like that. Or I’ll call, or he’ll call. We’ll talk.”
Rivera could be talking about his overall experience in the two years he’s been the head coach. Or maybe he was speaking about recent events?
Nonetheless, the league faces a multitude of challenges with Snyder’s potential return. Remember Wilkinson reportedly would have suggested the removal of Snyder from the Commanders ownership had the league allowed her to put her findings in writing.
Matters are more complicated as Snyder is under a second investigation following new and direct allegations of sexual harassment against him. There’s a large and growing outcry for the removal of Snyder’s ownership from the former employees affected, advocates and team fans.
From the way Goodell and the league has publicly handled the two investigations, it would suggest the commissioner and other owners hope the backlash against Snyder blows over with him remaining in control of the team, eventually.
