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Daniel Snyder Responds Following Story On Team's Workplace Culture

Daniel Snyder on Friday issued a statement saying the behavior outlined by the Washington Post from people formerly employed by the Washington NFL team "has no place in our franchise or society." Snyder said, "The story has strengthened my commitment to setting a new culture and standard for our team, a process that began with the hiring of Coach Rivera earlier this year." He goes on to say that DC-based attorney Beth Wilkinson and her firm "are empowered to do a full, unbiased investigation and make any and all requisite recommendations." Snyder: "Upon completion of her work, we will institute new policies and procedures and strengthen our human resources infrastructure to not only avoid these issues in the future but most importantly create a team culture that is respective and inclusive of all" (THE DAILY).

NOWHERE TO HIDE: ESPN's Adam Schefter prior to Snyder's statement said he had "no choice but to address this.” Calling it both "embarrassing" and "unacceptable," Schefter said of Snyder, "He can’t sit silent on this issue." Schefter: "There are so many issues that Dan Snyder has had so many people like Bruce Allen or Ron Rivera speak up from him in the past. But this is his organization and his organization did things that are unacceptable in today's world. So the man at the top has no choice in my mind but to address these allegations today and talk about how sickened and disgusted so many people are by them” (“First Take,” ESPN, 7/17). YAHOO SPORTS’ Dan Wetzel wrote Snyder “shouldn’t be able to hide behind public relations statements and a fresh ‘independent investigation.’” The NFL “needs to step in and make things tolerable for all its employees.” Wetzel: “It’s up to Roger Goodell and the league to force this issue, because right now Dan Snyder’s two-decade plus tenure in DC has been nothing but one embarrassment after the next, mostly for his female employees” (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 7/16).

SNYDER GUILTY BY ASSOCIATION: In DC, Thom Loverro writes the “aura of self-destruction that has engulfed this franchise since Dan Snyder purchased the team more than 20 years ago has never been stronger.” While the Post’s story “did not implicate Snyder directly in any of the sexual harassment allegations ... it did take Snyder to task for encouraging and allowing a ‘sophomoric’ cultural atmosphere” (WASHINGTON TIMES, 7/17). YAHOO SPORTS’ Shalise Manza Young wrote while Snyder is “not implicated in any of the allegations,” that “does not absolve him.” Manza Young: “Not in the least. Especially since this isn’t the first time Washington has been exposed for turning a blind eye while female employees were mistreated” (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 7/16). USA TODAY's Christine Brennan writes the NFL’s punishment "should go to the very top of the organization," including Snyder. Brennan: "If you’re running this kind of a cesspool of a sports franchise in 2020, you shouldn’t be running that franchise anymore" (USA TODAY, 7/17). The Undefeated's Jason Reid said of Snyder’s image among fans, “The level of frustration, the level of contempt, the level of fatigue -- you’re talking about this man’s entire tenure as owner, just one crisis after another" ("SportsCenter," ESPN, 7/16).

COULD HE BE FORCED OUT? YAHOO SPORTS' Eric Edholm notes it "appears possible under league bylaws" that Snyder "could be forced out." However, whether Snyder "will be forced out is entirely another matter." The question becomes "whether there are enough grounds to force Snyder ... [off] his ownership post" or whether there is "enough support within the league to do so." There is "no precedent for an NFL team owner being removed, like the way the NBA did" with former Clippers Owner Donald Sterling (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 7/17). USA TODAY’s Nancy Armour wrote if the NFL “doesn’t ban Snyder, and force him to sell the team, it’s no better than it was six years ago” following the fallout from the Ray Rice video. While Snyder was “not accused of any wrongdoing by any of the women,” it is “hard to imagine an owner as controlling as Snyder and as immersed in his team’s operations would not have at least heard rumblings of the inappropriate behavior.” Armour: “Regardless of what Snyder knew or didn’t know, this is his team. Its culture is a direct reflection of him” (USA TODAY, 7/16). In DC, Jerry Brewer writes under the header, "Daniel Snyder Is Detrimental To The Welfare Of The NFL. He Must Go" (WASHINGTON POST, 7/17).

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