Two prominent reports in recent weeks stated multiple NFL team owners were ready to oust Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder from the ownership ranks. On Tuesday at the league fall meeting, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay became the first team owner to call for Snyder’s removal.
“I believe that there’s merit to remove him as owner of the [Commanders],” Irsay said to reporters, per Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post). “I think it’s something that we have to review. We have to look at all the evidence and be thorough in going forward. But I think it’s something that has to be given serious consideration.”
Irsay added that it’s “gravely concerning” the numerous alleged matters that have occurred in the last 20 years dealing with Snyder.
Snyder has been the subject of several investigations since the summer of 2020. The NFL launched its first-of-two investigations into the team’s toxic workplace culture and misconduct in July 2020.
The investigation followed a Washington Post report of more than a dozen former team employees’ accusations against Snyder and the team. Those results and the handling of the results sparked the U.S. House Oversight Committee to launch an investigation earlier this year.
Upon Congress’ investigation, two former female employees accused Snyder of sexual harassment and misconduct. Those allegations sparked the NFL to launch a second investigation into Snyder and his team. That investigation, which Irsay referenced, is ongoing and led by attorney Mary Jo White.
Snyder has also faced accusations of financial improprieties, including withholding supposed shared ticket revenue from the NFL. On Monday the Washington Post reported the office of the D.C. Attorney General plans to take action against Snyder following its investigation into the owner this year.
Last month, the Post reported a “significant shift” among team owners about ousting Snyder from the league. Last week, ESPN reported that Snyder had told associates he got “enough dirt” on several owners, league executives, and the NFL commissioner Roger Goodell that could “blow up” the league if owners came after his ownership of the Commanders.
“I could care less,” Irsay proclaimed. “You know, you can investigate me until the cows come home. That’s not going to back me off.
“To me, I just shrug it off,” Irsay continued. “It’s irrelevant to me. So, I don’t know about any of that stuff. I just focus on the issue in what’s happened in Washington and to me, it’s gravely concerning.”
Irsay maintained the owners are going to wait for the results of the latest NFL investigation. The NFL would need 24 of 31 owners to vote Snyder out.
When asked if there would be enough votes to remove Snyder?
“I think potentially there will be,” Irsay replied. “But, we’ll see.”
