The sale of the Washington Commanders dominated the agenda at the recent NFL owners meeting held in Phoenix, Arizona. The league is currently investigating team owner Dan Snyder and financial improprieties with the aim of releasing a Mary Jo White report.
No Action Taken, But Optimism for Quick Resolution
Despite discussing the ongoing sale and investigation at length, no actions were taken during the meeting. The NFL and owners are letting the sale play out, hoping for a quick resolution. Mary Jo White’s investigation into workplace misconduct at the Commanders is over a year old and reportedly close to being finished.
Jerry Jones Claims Insider Information
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones shocked reporters by claiming he knows everything that’s in the Mary Jo White report despite reports saying it is incomplete. Jones was one of Snyder’s closest allies, but their friendship has been tested by reports of Snyder having dirt on other owners and the league’s desire to replace him. Roger Goodell reaffirmed the NFL’s plan to release the White report, stating it would be impossible for Jones to have access to an incomplete report.
Dan Snyder Declines Interview with Mary Jo White
Goodell was also asked about reports that Dan Snyder is declining to be interviewed by Mary Jo White, and that she would be making a final attempt to talk to him before the investigation concludes.
Arthur Blank Believes Snyder Has Moved to London
Falcons owner Arthur Blank claimed he believed Snyder had moved to London, and reports had him and his wife Tanya change their legal residence earlier this year. Snyder has one DC-area estate for sale on the market and has cleared out ownership offices. Blank wished Snyder well and said the league is doing whatever it can to support the Snyders in this transaction and transition.
Commitment to Release Findings on Workplace Misconduct Investigation
The NFL has committed to releasing a written report of findings regarding the Commanders’ workplace misconduct investigation and will continue with that commitment irrespective of a sale or split of the team. However, a sale could complicate the legal resolution, as Snyder demanded indemnification against future liability and legal costs if he sells the team.
Momentum towards Commanders Ownership Transfer
The momentum towards a Commanders ownership transfer has continued to grow, with potential ownership groups emerging. Two formal bids meeting Snyder’s asking price of $6 billion and fully funded have been submitted for ownership.
Potential Owners Vying for Commanders
Canadian billionaire Steve Apostolopoulos submitted a $6 billion bid to buy the Commanders. Apostolopoulos is the managing partner of the Triple Group of Companies, a privately-owned real estate firm based in Toronto. The bid creates a head-to-head race with a group led by billionaire Josh Harris to buy the Commanders.
Harris, the co-founder of Apollo Global Management, leads a group that includes NBA legend Magic Johnson, which officially placed its bid to buy the Commanders. The Harris-led group is offering to pay Snyder’s $6 billion asking price for the team.
Bezos Also Considering Bid for Commanders
Daniel Snyder hired Bank of America Securities to consider potential transactions, while Amazon founder Jeff Bezos also hired an investment firm to research a possible bid for the Commanders team.
Future Access to investigation Findings
Cowboys team owner Jerry Jones supports releasing a written report on the investigation findings regardless of whether the investigation concludes during Snyder’s ownership tenure. Goodell is comfortable that access to investigation findings will eventually be granted regardless of who owns the franchise when that time comes.
In conclusion, the sale and investigation into financial improprieties at Washington Commanders are ongoing, but no actions were taken at the NFL owners’ meeting. With two potential ownership groups vying for the team, it remains to be seen who will emerge as the successful bidder. Whatever the outcome, the NFL is committed to releasing a written report of findings regarding the Commanders’ workplace misconduct investigation.
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