Daniel Snyder has been fined $60 million, the largest ever for an NFL team owner, after he was found guilty of sexually harassing a former Washington Commanders cheerleader and marketing employee.
The findings were reported by former federal prosecutor and Securities and Exchange Commission chairman Mary Jo White, who spent 17 months investigating widespread sexual harassment and financial misconduct allegations against team executives, including Snyder. The allegations were made as part of a congressional investigation after the league declined to release details of an initial investigation into workplace harassment allegations at teams in 2021.
The NFL announced those findings Thursday afternoon after 31 other clubs unanimously approved the sale of Commanders to an investment group led by Josh Harris for $6.05 billion, a record for a U.S. professional sports team.
An investigation uncovered a credible allegation from former team employee Tiffany Johnston. He said that in 2005 or 2006 at a work dinner with her, Snyder put his hand on her thigh without her consent and then tried to push her into the back seat of her car after the event. The report said her account was supported by evidence and witnesses at the time.
“The conduct supported by Mr. White’s investigation has no place in the NFL,” Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “We strive to be a safe, respectful, and professional workplace. What Mr. Johnston experienced was inappropriate and contrary to the NFL’s values.”
The investigation also backed up former Washington Ticket executive Jason Friedman’s allegations that the teams deliberately concealed and withheld revenue that would have been split among the league’s 32 teams. About $11 million of the distributable earnings were found to have been improperly withheld, according to the report.
Investigators cannot conclude or rule out that Mr. Snyder directed or participated in this revenue shielding, but wrote that “at least he was aware of certain efforts to minimize revenue sharing.”
When asked to clarify how the league determined the amount of the fine, Goodell said, “It was the resolution of all outstanding issues, including the findings of the Mary Jo White investigation. It was reviewed and unanimously recommended by the Finance Committee and unanimously accepted by our members.”
Mr. Snyder was also punished for not cooperating with Mr. White’s investigation.
