22 July 2023 , 18:10
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Former Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder has congratulated Josh Harris and his ownership group after selling them the franchise on Thursday.
After 24 years of ownership Snyder finally sold the formerly known Redskins, making a cool $5.2 billion (£4bn) profit in the process. All NFL owners unanimously agreed to the sale, allowing the franchise to change hands after months of negotiations.
Snyder was instantly fined $60 million (£46.65m) after the sale was completed, as the NFL conducted and finalised an investigation after allegations were made by a former employee. Snyder was under pressure to sell the team as soon as allegations were made, and fellow owners were keen for him to exit the league.
The former owner is still yet to address the investigation or the fine after former U.S. Attorney and SEC Chair Mary Jo White published their findings. But Snyder did write a statement addressing the sale.
"We congratulate the Harris Ownership Group on yesterday’s unanimous League approval of their purchase of the Washington Commanders. We are proud to have built the most diverse leadership group of any NFL team, including having the highest representation of women, underrepresented groups, and the first full-time black female coach in League history," a statement from former Commanders owners Daniel Snyder and Tanya Snyder.
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"We are immensely grateful to the best fans in football, the Commanders’ faithful. For the passion and unwavering support they have shown for this team and those who represented it on and off the field."
Although Snyder remains proud of the diversity within his leadership group, one of the main allegations made against the former owner was by a female employee. White was hired by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to be the independent investigator for the Snyder case.
Snyder was under investigation by the NFL for some time (Getty Images)On Thursday it was announced that $11 million (£8.55m) in revenue that should have been shared with other teams was withheld. The investigation also found that Snyder sexually harassed a former team employee.
It was because the Commanders failed to fully cooperate with White's investigation that they were fined $60 million, and the NFL released the findings to the public after the sale was completed. "The NFL today released the findings of the independent investigation conducted by former U.S. Attorney and SEC Chair Mary Jo White and her colleagues from Debevoise & Plimpton into allegations of misconduct and financial improprieties made by former employees of the Washington Commanders," the statement read.
"NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell appointed Ms. White as the independent investigator immediately following allegations against Commanders owner Daniel Snyder made by former Commanders employee Tiffani Johnston at a Congressional roundtable in February 2022. The Commissioner expanded Ms. White's review in April 2022 to include alleged financial misconduct at the club, after those allegations were first raised before a Congressional committee.
Snyder departs the NFL with just under $6 billion in his pocket"Ms. White and her colleagues conducted a comprehensive and independent investigation over 17 months that included interviews with dozens of witnesses, sometimes on multiple occasions, a review of over 10,000 documents, and assistance from a team of forensic accountants. We appreciate the diligence, thoroughness and professionalism of Ms. White and her team throughout this process.
"Mr. Snyder will pay $60 million to the league in resolution of Ms. White's findings and all outstanding matters. The conduct substantiated in Ms. White's findings has no place in the NFL. We strive for workplaces that are safe, respectful and professional. What Ms. Johnston experienced is inappropriate and contrary to the NFL's values."