Washington Commanders owner Daniel Snyder is ready for a fight if the other NFL owners act on removing him from the league. According to an ESPN report, Snyder told associates he gathered enough information to “blow up” several NFL owners, the league office, and commissioner Roger Goodell.
Multiple NFL sources told ESPN that they’re aware that Snyder instructed his law firms to hire private investigators to look into owners and league executives. The report also says Snyder won’t lose the Commanders “without a fight” and “multiple casualties” as a result.
Among other allegations in the report, Snyder has “dirt” on Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
Snyder reportedly said to an associate, “The NFL is a mafia… All the owners hate each other.”
A veteran owner responded to ESPN, “That’s not true. All owners hate Dan.”
The report by ESPN comes as Snyder and the Commanders have been the subject of two NFL investigations over the last two years, including one ongoing for a toxic workplace culture surrounding sexual harassment allegations against the owner and other former team executes. Snyder also faces a U.S. Oversight Committee investigation into the same matters and the league’s handling of the first investigation.
Local Virginia and Maryland state officials also are looking into allegations of financial improprieties by the team.
Amid the ongoing drama, Dan Snyder is struggling to secure a deal for a new stadium, as the team’s current stadium, FedEx Field, is aging and viewed as one of the most deteriorated stadiums in the league.
A Commanders’ spokesperson stated in response to ESPN’s report, “It’s hard to imagine a piece that is more categorically untrue, and is clearly part of a well-funded, two-year misinformation campaign to coerce the sale of the team, which will continue to be unsuccessful.”
Last month, the Washington Post reported a significant shift in NFL owners’ view of Snyder. There’s a belief momentum is gaining among the NFL owners to push Snyder out. Although, some owners may not want to force Synder out for fear of setting a precedent that could be used against others.
