Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder has declined an interview for the NFL’s ongoing and second investigation into the owner and team, according to The Washington Post. High-powered attorney Mary Jo White is conducting a probe into sexual allegations made by a former employee against Snyder and financial improprieties against the team.
The Post’s report adds that White expects to make at least one more attempt to interview Snyder before concluding the investigation. The league and Commanders declined to comment on the matter. A team spokesperson told the Post it’s “a confidential matter between the club and the league.”
The NFL hired White in February 2022 to look into the allegations made by Tiffani Johnston. Johnston testified to the U.S. Oversight Committee that Snyder sexually harassed her, touched her thigh, and tried to force her into a limousine.
White is also looking into allegations of financial improprieties against the team made by Congress. The allegations include withholding from the league expected shared revenue from ticket sales. Additionally, the team had been accused of withholding as much as $5 million in refundable ticket deposits.
The NFL previously conducted a year-long investigation into the Commanders which started in July 2020 by attorney Beth Wilkinson for claims of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct from other former team employees. The league fined Washington $10 million, and Snyder handed over day-to-day operations to his wife, Tanya, as a result.
The Commanders have been investigated by Congress and federal authorities in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia within the last three years. The off-field-field legal issues have overshadowed the football operations of the team. Fans, media, and other NFL owners have called for Snyder’s removal from ownership.
In November, the Snyders announced they were exploring options for selling the Commanders. Multiple reports suggest a sale of the team may be imminent. League owners have paused their efforts to remove Snyder from the team as they await to see how the sale plays out, according to The Post.
Dan Snyder is reportedly looking into securing indemnification against future legal liabilities as part of the sale. It is unclear if White will complete her probe without Snyder’s involvement.
