Title: Congressman Urges NFL to Disclose Findings of Washington Commanders Investigation
Date: [Insert Date]
Representative Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) has called on the National Football League (NFL) to honor its promise of transparency regarding attorney Mary Jo White’s investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and financial malfeasance against Washington Commanders owner, Daniel Snyder. In a two-page letter addressed to Commissioner Roger Goodell, Rep. Raskin emphasized the importance of releasing the full report to the public.
It has been over a year since Goodell pledged to “share the results of that investigation,” yet no information has been made public. Rep. Raskin underlined the imminent sale of the Commanders franchise and urged the NFL to fulfill its commitment by releasing the report in its entirety and taking further disciplinary action if warranted.
The NFL, through Commissioner Goodell, has consistently stated that the report would be made public, in contrast to the previous investigation conducted by attorney Beth Wilkinson, whose report was merely summarized and kept out of public view on July 1, 2021.
In his letter to Goodell, Rep. Raskin acknowledged the NFL’s position as one of America’s most prominent platforms and stressed the need for transparency and accountability. He urged Goodell to demonstrate the league’s commitment to a higher standard by releasing the full report and taking appropriate action based on its findings, with a focus on supporting the victims of the Commanders’ toxic workplace.
While there is optimism that the NFL will fulfill its promise, there is speculation surrounding the timing of Mary Jo White’s report, considering Snyder’s decision to sell the team. Some speculate that the NFL may have influenced the timing to ensure the report’s conclusions align with Snyder’s departure, potentially mitigating any damning allegations.
White’s investigation began in February 2022, prompting questions as to why it has not been finalized. The delay has led some to suspect that the NFL may have played a role in prolonging the investigation until after Snyder’s departure.
However, Snyder has already reached an agreement to sell the Washington Commanders to a group led by Josh Harris. The NFL is scheduled to meet on July 20 to consider approving the deal, suggesting that the timing of the report’s release may coincide with the approval of the sale.
There are concerns that the NFL will publish a sanitized and diluted version of White’s report, potentially downplaying the allegations against the team and Snyder.
As the sale of the Washington Commanders approaches, it remains to be seen whether the NFL will follow through on its commitment to transparency or face criticism for its handling of this high-profile investigation. The public awaits the release of Mary Jo White’s findings and the league’s subsequent actions based on the report.