Dan Snyder sends letter to ALL other NFL owners denying ESPN reports about investigating them

Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder has made attempts to convince his fellow NFL owners of his innocence while he’s currently under investigation by the league.

In a long letter sent to each owner in the league, Snyder addressed an article from ESPN claiming he hired private investigators to dig up ‘dirt’ on other owners in the league as well as NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

‘That is patently false and intended to erode the trust and goodwill between owners that I take quite seriously. I have never hired any private investigator to look into any owner or the Commissioner. I have never instructed or authorized my lawyers to hire any private investigator on my behalf for any such purpose. And I never would.

He also said ESPN, ‘ignored our efforts to correct the many falsehoods in their article before its publication.’

Snyder hinted at challenging ESPN, he continued in the letter: ‘Falsehoods and lies being spread about any of our organizations hurts our league, our players and our fans, and we simply cannot let them go unchallenged.’ 

Commanders owner Dan Snyder is pleading his case to his fellow NFL owners through letters

Snyder’s status has been widely debated for years amid several scandals and investigations into workplace conduct in Washington. The league has been investigating allegations of sexual misconduct and financial impropriety, a probe conducted by attorney Mary Jo White that is ongoing.

Removing Snyder would be unprecedented and requires 24 votes from the other owners. However, some owners seem open to the idea – after comments made Tuesday by Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay.

‘You know, it’s a difficult situation. I believe that there’s merit to remove him as owner of the Redskins (sic). I think it’s something 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 said.

Dan Snyder has testified to Congress about sexual harassment and hostile workplace accusations against himself and his team. It is claimed that rival NFL owners want him removed

A spokesperson for the Commanders responded to the comments made by Irsay, condemning the words from him.

‘It is highly inappropriate, but not surprising, that Mr. Irsay opted to make statements publicly based on falsehoods in the media,’ the statement read.

‘It is unfortunate that Mr. Irsay decided to go public with his statement today, while an investigation is in process, and the team has had no opportunity to formally respond to allegations. The Commanders have made remarkable progress over the past two years.

Colts owner Jim Irsay believes there’s ‘merit to remove’ Snyder as Washington’s owner

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also responded to Irsay’s comments, saying, ‘Speculation without facts is not a very positive thing to do.’ He also said the league would publicly share the final report once it’s completed. 

White hasn’t informed the league of a timeline to submit a report, though it’s anticipated she’s nearing the end of the investigation, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the investigation remains open.

Snyder has owned the team since 1999 – back when they were known as the Washington Redskins. The team pledged to change its name in 2020, playing for two seasons as the Washington Football Team before playing as the Commanders for the first time this season.