The NFL world is waiting for the findings of the Mary Jo investigation into Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reaffirmed the league would release the report regardless of when the Commanders’ franchise is sold.
Goodell gave his reassurance during his media scrum Tuesday at the NFL owners’ meeting in Arizona. Shortly before Goodell talked, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones claimed, “I know everything in the report.”
When WUSA-9s Darren Haynes asked for his thoughts about Jones’ claiming to know everything, Goodell said “it’s impossible” for Jones to know.
“Well, that would be impossible because the only person I know of who knows everything in the investigation is Mary Jo White and her counterparts,” Goodell responded. “So I don’t know any of those things. Mary Jo White is a professional. She’s incredibly thorough. She’s not giving access to anybody. So I’m comfortable on that point.”
Does Jerry Jones know something that Roger Goodell doesn’t? Or is Goodell not trying to tip his hand?
It’s safe to assume Jones and Goodell may know some things. White started the investigation in February 2022 after former Commanders employee Tiffani Johnston testified to Congress that Snyder touched her thigh, then tried to force her into a limousine before being stopped by his advisor.
The investigation is the second such into the Commanders’ organization influenced by the NFL. The first, led by Beth Wilkinson, occurred from July 2020 through 2021 after more than a dozen former Commanders’ employees alleged sexual harassment and workplace misconduct within the organization. Several high-ranking officials were fired or resigned after the allegations surfaced.
Congress opened a probe questioning why Wilkinson’s findings were not publicly released. That investigation led to Johnston’s testimony. Goodell testified as well. After a standoff with Congress, Snyder testified remotely from Israel.
White’s investigation got sparked off sexual harassment claims against Snyder but has evolved into looking at the Commanders’ financial practices.
It’s unclear when White will wrap up her probe. However, Snyder reportedly declined an interview with White. She expects to make at least one more attempt to interview Snyder before concluding the investigation. Goodell said Tuesday he expects Snyder will talk with White.
Snyder reportedly is demanding indemnification from future legal liabilities if he sells the team.
The countless investigations into Snyder have drawn the ire of other NFL owners, leading Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay to previously say there is enough merit to remove Snyder from ownership. Snyder has explored selling the Commanders since November. The other owners have paused consideration of pushing Snyder out as they wait for White’s findings and the process of the Commanders’ potential sale.
