Sources: Commanders boss Snyder claims 'dirt' on NFL owners, Goodell

[Iceland12]

Wonder why Daniel Snyder the owner of Washington seems to have gotten away with just about everything? The man might not know anything about running a football team, but he does know about playing dirty.

"DAN SNYDER DOES this thing when he feels cornered, say those who know him well. He paces in a hotel suite, or on his superyacht, or at River View, his $48 million Virginia estate. Cradling a drink in one hand, he tells members of his inner circle about the dirt he has accumulated on fellow owners, coaches, executives, even his own employees -- all the stuff he's learned from other sources, including private investigative firms. He never says exactly what he knows, only that in his 23 years as owner of the Washington Commanders, he knows a lot. And that in the zero-sum world of billionaires, this is how you survive. Snyder recently told a close associate that he has gathered enough secrets to "blow up" several NFL owners, the league office and even commissioner Roger Goodell.

"They can't f--- with me," he has said privately.

Senior team executives and confidants have heard him say it since he was considered merely one of the worst owners in sports. Now that he's facing investigations on multiple fronts and running out of high-powered allies, he alludes more than ever to the dirty work. Snyder, now 57 years old, has told associates he will not lose his beloved franchise without a fight that would end with multiple casualties.

"The NFL is a mafia," he recently told an associate. "All the owners hate each other."

"That's not true," one veteran owner says. "All the owners hate Dan."

Something has to give, possibly as soon as the NFL league meetings in New York on Tuesday. Many owners and top league executives tell ESPN they would like to see Snyder removed as owner. It would clean the slate for a storied team and a cherished fan base and reignite the pursuit for a desperately needed stadium.

But there would be a price.."

WHY IS DAN Snyder still an NFL team owner? And how has he managed to survive allegations of a toxic club culture, sexual harassment, accounting misdeeds and the bungling of a new stadium proposal that once seemed inevitable and is now met with hard resistance by the public and officials in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C.? Those questions have bewildered fans, league and team executives and some fellow owners, and the lawyers for former Commanders employees who say they were victims of the team's culture of sexual harassment and abuse. "Our clients and the public at large deserve transparency," said Lisa Banks, attorney for nearly a dozen former team employees and cheerleaders who publicly revealed the team's toxic culture in 2020 and are still calling for the NFL to make public its investigative report on Snyder. "If not," Banks said in a statement last year, "the NFL and Roger Goodell must explain why they appear intent on protecting" the team and "Dan Snyder at all costs."..

According to more than 30 owners, league and team executives, lawyers and current and former Commanders employees interviewed by ESPN, the fear of reprisal that Snyder has instilled in his franchise, poisoning it on the field and off, has expanded to some of his fellow owners. Multiple owners and league and team sources say they've been told that Snyder instructed his law firms to hire private investigators to look into other owners -- and Goodell..

Sources: Snyder claims 'dirt' on NFL owners, Goodell

Multiple NFL sources say they've been told that embattled Commanders owner Dan Snyder instructed his law firms to hire private investigators to look into owners and league execs. His attorneys deny the allegations as "categorically false."

www.espn.com

 

[Ogie Ogilthorpe]

It might be, it might not be.... not sure it really matters all that much. Owners are always, ALWAYS going to be very reluctant to vote out one of their own because that sets a dangerous precedent; if it can happen to one, it can happen to another.

It would take a LOT for the NFL to get rid of Snyder, dirtbag or not. I don't think any dirt on ol' Roger or anyone else matters that much

 

[Iceland12]

It might be, it might not be.... not sure it really matters all that much. Owners are always, ALWAYS going to be very reluctant to vote out one of their own because that sets a dangerous precedent; if it can happen to one, it can happen to another.

It would take a LOT for the NFL to get rid of Snyder, dirtbag or not. I don't think any dirt on ol' Roger or anyone else matters that much

Indeed many of them probably have plenty of skeletons in their closets. As for the other? Depending on what it could be it certainly would matter to Goodell.

Though maybe the leaking of the Gruden findings days before the Snyder investigation findings were to be announced could mean that Jon Gruden died for the sins of the owners.

 

[TruthSeeker]

It might be, it might not be.... not sure it really matters all that much. Owners are always, ALWAYS going to be very reluctant to vote out one of their own because that sets a dangerous precedent; if it can happen to one, it can happen to another.

It would take a LOT for the NFL to get rid of Snyder, dirtbag or not. I don't think any dirt on ol' Roger or anyone else matters that much

Snyder cannot deliver a stadium, and he's losing fans.

They'll dump him if he can't make money.

 

[LesBolstad]

I bet John Gruden would cough up a few bucks to get some info from Snyder

 

[short ornery norwegian]

long article. It makes the point that the other NFL owners are more upset with Snyder over financial issues than with all of the allegations of misconduct and sexual harassment. the team has an old stadium, they don't sell out their games, and that means less revenue - the real sin for the other owners.

but, one source in the story said the other owners would forget all of the other issues if Snyder could get a new stadium built which would generate more revenue.

 

[Ope3]

So they won the pillow fight tonight 12-7. For some reason the Bears were wearing Illini uniforms.

 

[Ogie Ogilthorpe]

long article. It makes the point that the other NFL owners are more upset with Snyder over financial issues than with all of the allegations of misconduct and sexual harassment. the team has an old stadium, they don't sell out their games, and that means less revenue - the real sin for the other owners.

but, one source in the story said the other owners would forget all of the other issues if Snyder could get a new stadium built which would generate more revenue.

Zero chance the Redskins are getting a new stadium. It's not happening.

Snyder should just force someone to overpay for the team and laugh his way to the bank and be done with it. The upside and benefit to him of being an owner is diminishing by the day, and likely less and less enjoyable. The team is worth almost $6B, squeeze a little more than that out of someone and enjoy the last laugh.

As far as the game, holy shit, those are two teams drafting a QB next spring. Painful to watch those two set the game of football back a few generations in this one. Ouch...

 

[TruthSeeker]

Zero chance the Redskins are getting a new stadium. It's not happening.

Snyder should just force someone to overpay for the team and laugh his way to the bank and be done with it. The upside and benefit to him of being an owner is diminishing by the day, and likely less and less enjoyable. The team is worth almost $6B, squeeze a little more than that out of someone and enjoy the last laugh.

As far as the game, holy shit, those are two teams drafting a QB next spring. Painful to watch those two set the game of football back a few generations in this one. Ouch...

He should, but he won't.

He likes being in the club, and he's too shameless to care about anything else.

 

[GophersInIowa]

It might be, it might not be.... not sure it really matters all that much. Owners are always, ALWAYS going to be very reluctant to vote out one of their own because that sets a dangerous precedent; if it can happen to one, it can happen to another.

It would take a LOT for the NFL to get rid of Snyder, dirtbag or not. I don't think any dirt on ol' Roger or anyone else matters that much

Agreed. I think it would take a lot and/or very good evidence for something like that to happen.

 

[Iceland12]

Agreed. I think it would take a lot and/or very good evidence for something like that to happen.

Which is why he hired the investigators to gather dirt on those who testified against him, the other owners and Goodall in the first place.

Letting them know that he will make them "pay" too if he's thrown out.

 

[Ope3]

Which is why he hired the investigators to gather dirt on those who testified against him, the other owners and Goodall in the first place.

Letting them know that he will make them "pay" too if he's thrown out.

"Mutual Destruction" strategy.

 

[Ogie Ogilthorpe]

Which is why he hired the investigators to gather dirt on those who testified against him, the other owners and Goodall in the first place.

Letting them know that he will make them "pay" too if he's thrown out.

This is an interesting situation really. On the one hand, I do pretty much "get" Snyder wanting to dig his heels in and fight back, doesn't want to get bounced out of the fraternity, wrongfully bounced or not. It's hard to see a scenario where they are able to get him out, at least not easily; aside from his alleged "dirt", and the other owners reluctant to set that precedent for ousting one of their own, I think they need like 25 owners or something to buy in. It's not small task.

On the other hand, what's the end game for Snyder? I would think most of the allure of being in an uber-elite fraternity like NFL ownership is at least getting along with some of the other members.

Tough call, but I would say, Save face, take your money and run, maybe make a deal with Goodell that he says some nice things on the way out; they were never going to get rid of him, it was a decision made by Snyder himself, etc. There's a way to do it, and the sooner he does it the sooner he at least somewhat controls part of the message

 

[Ope3]

I have a friend that is a Packer's owner. Probably would have to dig into the early 90s to find stuff on him though.

 

[Iceland12]

This is an interesting situation really. On the one hand, I do pretty much "get" Snyder wanting to dig his heels in and fight back, doesn't want to get bounced out of the fraternity, wrongfully bounced or not. It's hard to see a scenario where they are able to get him out, at least not easily; aside from his alleged "dirt", and the other owners reluctant to set that precedent for ousting one of their own, I think they need like 25 owners or something to buy in. It's not small task.

On the other hand, what's the end game for Snyder? I would think most of the allure of being in an uber-elite fraternity like NFL ownership is at least getting along with some of the other members.

Tough call, but I would say, Save face, take your money and run, maybe make a deal with Goodell that he says some nice things on the way out; they were never going to get rid of him, it was a decision made by Snyder himself, etc. There's a way to do it, and the sooner he does it the sooner he at least somewhat controls part of the message

His end game? Looking at his history his end game would be to "win" at any cost.

 

[howeda7]

long article. It makes the point that the other NFL owners are more upset with Snyder over financial issues than with all of the allegations of misconduct and sexual harassment. the team has an old stadium, they don't sell out their games, and that means less revenue - the real sin for the other owners.

but, one source in the story said the other owners would forget all of the other issues if Snyder could get a new stadium built which would generate more revenue.

Why do the even need a new stadium? The current one is barely 20 years old.

 

[Ope3]

Why do the even need a new stadium? The current one is barely 20 years old.

Bad location.

 

[howeda7]

Bad location.

Yes. But it's 10 games a year. They run constant shuttles to the parking areas. I didn't find it that bad. A new stadium in downtown DC is going to be obscenely expensive. I guess the Bears are in the same spot and doing it though.

 

[Ope3]

Yes. But it's 10 games a year. They run constant shuttles to the parking areas. I didn't find it that bad. A new stadium in downtown DC is going to be obscenely expensive. I guess the Bears are in the same spot and doing it though.

I was just going reputation has it's been repeated often on the Tony Kornheiser Show/podcast.

 

[Spaulding!No!]

Indeed many of them probably have plenty of skeletons in their closets. As for the other? Depending on what it could be it certainly would matter to Goodell.

Though maybe the leaking of the Gruden findings days before the Snyder investigation findings were to be announced could mean that Jon Gruden died for the sins of the owners.

Yer right about gruden.

 

[Ogie Ogilthorpe]

Think about this one for a second;

The NFL went after the Washington Redskins, hot and heavy, a couple years ago and the only fallout was LV Raiders HC Jon Gruden getting fired.

Let that sink in for a second. Everyone within the Washington organization, unscathed. Gruden fired.

 

[Iceland12]

Think about this one for a second;

The NFL went after the Washington Redskins, hot and heavy, a couple years ago and the only fallout was LV Raiders HC Jon Gruden getting fired.

Let that sink in for a second. Everyone within the Washington organization, unscathed. Gruden fired.

Indeed, because Snyder leaked the info. It was in the original link.

And you're still convinced that he'll just take the money and run?

 

[Ogie Ogilthorpe]

Indeed, because Snyder leaked the info. It was in the original link.

And you're still convinced that he'll just take the money and run?

Nope. Never said I think he will; I just think that's what he should do. The longer this drags out, the less he has any control over how it may end up.

 

[Ope3]

Why do the even need a new stadium? The current one is barely 20 years old.

For reference Washington's FedEx Field is 2 years older than Tennessee's stadium in Nashville.

The Titans are getting a new domed facility apparently. I would expect it to host a Super Bowl pretty regularly. I would guess DC would get at least 1 SB as well, even if there is no roof, just as there was one in NYC.

Titans have deal for new $2.1B domed stadium

The Tennessee Titans and Nashville's mayor have agreed to a deal for a new $2.1 billion domed stadium that will need approval by the city's Metro Council, the team confirmed on Monday.

www.espn.com

 

[jamiche]

This is an interesting situation really. On the one hand, I do pretty much "get" Snyder wanting to dig his heels in and fight back, doesn't want to get bounced out of the fraternity, wrongfully bounced or not. It's hard to see a scenario where they are able to get him out, at least not easily; aside from his alleged "dirt", and the other owners reluctant to set that precedent for ousting one of their own, I think they need like 25 owners or something to buy in. It's not small task.

On the other hand, what's the end game for Snyder? I would think most of the allure of being in an uber-elite fraternity like NFL ownership is at least getting along with some of the other members.

Tough call, but I would say, Save face, take your money and run, maybe make a deal with Goodell that he says some nice things on the way out; they were never going to get rid of him, it was a decision made by Snyder himself, etc. There's a way to do it, and the sooner he does it the sooner he at least somewhat controls part of the message

I think the Irsay comments yesterday were a planned, preemptive strike. The message being that if any dirt comes out on any of us, you are 100% gone. I think Irsay was chosen because he's not smooth and prominent, so it can appear to be more spontaneous.

The compromise might be that Snyder agrees to step aside and his wife runs the team. The reports indicate that she is well liked. Maybe she can get funding for a new stadium.

Fantasy department....

In my perfect world Lore and ARod should drop the wolves deal and shift their focus to buying the Commanders on layaway. The wolves can be purchased by the soon-to-be Super Bowl champions Wilf family who are honorary ones of us. They know how to work the legislature to get funding for a new arena for the soon-to-be NBA Champions Timberwolves. ARod/Lore go, wolves stay. We all live happily ever after.

How did this become a wolves post? Season opener tonight!

 

[Ope3]

I think the Irsay comments yesterday were a planned, preemptive strike. The message being that if any dirt comes out on any of us, you are 100% gone. I think Irsay was chosen because he's not smooth and prominent, so it can appear to be more spontaneous.

The compromise might be that Snyder agrees to step aside and his wife runs the team. The reports indicate that she is well liked. Maybe she can get funding for a new stadium.

Fantasy department....

In my perfect world Lore and ARod should drop the wolves deal and shift their focus to buying the Commanders on layaway. The wolves can be purchased by the soon-to-be Super Bowl champions Wilf family who are honorary ones of us. They know how to work the legislature to get funding for a new arena for the soon-to-be NBA Champions Timberwolves. ARod/Lore go, wolves stay. We all live happily ever after.

How did this become a wolves post? Season opener tonight!

The Wolves are in the $2B range while the Commandos are $6B - $7B range. That seems well out of reach for Lore. Just guessing.

I am not even counting ARod as he is having difficulty coming up with the scratch for the Wolves as is.

 

[Gophers_4life]

For reference Washington's FedEx Field is 2 years older than Tennessee's stadium in Nashville.

The Titans are getting a new domed facility apparently. I would expect it to host a Super Bowl pretty regularly. I would guess DC would get at least 1 SB as well, even if there is no roof, just as there was one in NYC.

Titans have deal for new $2.1B domed stadium

The Tennessee Titans and Nashville's mayor have agreed to a deal for a new $2.1 billion domed stadium that will need approval by the city's Metro Council, the team confirmed on Monday.

www.espn.com

It almost doesn't make sense for any city, anywhere, no matter the climate, to ever build anything other than what has been built like USB Stadium, SoFi, etc. again, it seems.

You can attract so many more events with a roof. And you're using the people's (tax) money to pay for it, so you owe it to them to make the facility do as much good (for the local economy) as possible.

 

[Ope3]

It almost doesn't make sense for any city, anywhere, no matter the climate, to ever build anything other than what has been built like USB Stadium, SoFi, etc. again, it seems.

You can attract so many more events with a roof. And you're using the people's (tax) money to pay for it, so you owe it to them to make the facility do as much good (for the local economy) as possible.

I was just in Nashville for the first time last month for a Pearl Jam (arena show). Having been there and now knowing what the city and scene are all about, building a domed stadium is a no brainer. I can imagine several huge country acts setting up mini-residencies there, as well as a tour stop for any genre.

Easy sell, just as it was in Vegas. SoFi in LA was pretty much all privately financed, so not exactly the same.

I haven't seen it referenced, but I'm sure this puts Nashville in play for Final 4s, SEC Football Conference Championship, CFP Playoffs/Title as well.

 

[Iceland12]

The owners want that new stadium. Snyder probably loves the idea that people buy into the "it's all about the stadium" talk. It's not. He wants to stay an owner, the others want him out. That bleep just wants to win.

"During the first run of owners meetings he attended, Snyder came across as brash and sharp-elbowed, impatient and disrespectful toward owners twice his age. Asked for his early view of Snyder, a veteran owner now says: "Arrogant. Obnoxious. Standoffish. Selfish."

But it wasn't until the 2003 autumn league meetings, held in Chicago, that some owners' first impressions of Snyder would stick. Snyder delivered an impassioned but barbed argument for the Super Bowl to be played at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, in February 2008. His was a longshot bid. His main competition was Cardinals owner Bill Bidwill and his son Michael, who were building a $455 million stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The Bidwill family, which has owned the Cardinals since 1932, is beloved among owners, and owners were excited about the new venue in the desert.

In his pitch for a Washington Super Bowl, Snyder spent as much time extolling the virtues of FedEx Field as he did "tearing down Arizona and the Bidwills personally," an owner recalls. After the Bidwills and Arizona won a secret ballot, Snyder "began yelling at everybody," angrily telling owners they had made "a big mistake," an owner says. "Other owners were floored. ... He got off on the wrong foot. And not much has changed since then."..

The nearly two decades since have laid bare what critics see as Snyder's vindictiveness and paranoia, which was well-known within Washington's front office for most of his ownership. Outside the team, Snyder has been better known for losing seasons and his penchant for micromanaging, despite publicly insisting in 2020 that the team's culture problem was because he was "admittedly too hands-off as an owner." He has always insisted on acquiring big names of the moment to save his team, from Deion Sanders to Bruce Smith to Robert Griffin III to Josh Norman to the late Dwayne Haskins, regardless of what his football decision-makers advocated. "I'm the f---ing owner, and if you don't do this, I'm going to kill you," he'd sometimes tell high-level football staff half-jokingly, a former team executive says...

 

[Ogie Ogilthorpe]

I think the Irsay comments yesterday were a planned, preemptive strike. The message being that if any dirt comes out on any of us, you are 100% gone. I think Irsay was chosen because he's not smooth and prominent, so it can appear to be more spontaneous.

Irsay may have been completely winging it, he's kind of a nutjob at this point. Irsay making those comments, to me, is somewhat akin to a politician saying something mindless like let's give everyone $10,000; you know it's unlikely to happen, but you get to look like a "good guy" because by coming out publicly against Snyder, he gives the appearance of someone "taking a stand" against Snyder's actions.

Irsay also doesn't have much of anything to lose, pretty much all of his dirty laundry has been public information for years; nobody would bat an eyelash at hearing Irsay did much of anything