Why Washington Commanders' owner Dan Snyder still leads the organization

Content warning: This section contains mention of sexual misconduct.

The GIST: The Washington Commanders defeated the Chicago Bears 12–7 in last night’s Thursday Night Football clash, but the Commanders first took an L off the field, with embattled owner Dan Snyder once again making headlines. So sick of this guy.

The context: We could fill an entire newsletter with details of Snyder’s dysfunctional tenure. Along with generally mismanaging personnel and infamously defending the team’s former racist name, a 2020 Washington Post report detailed a culture of toxic masculinity within the Washington organization under Snyder.

• The disgusting transgressions include Snyder ordering the team’s video department to film cheerleaders while they changed and Washington paying a $1.6M settlement to a former employee who accused the owner of sexual misconduct.

• But wait, there’s more. Snyder’s also accused of financial impropriety — the team allegedly withheld deposits from season ticket holders while also hiding ticket revenue that should’ve been shared with the NFL.

The latest: Despite the lengthy list of misconduct (plus an ongoing congressional investigation into the team), Snyder is somehow still leading the charge in Washington, and yesterday’s bombshell ESPN article provided some insight as to why.

• No, he’s not back to evading accountability on his yacht. Snyder alleges that he has “dirt” that could “blow up” the league and has reportedly hired private investigators to look into his fellow owners.

• For context, at least 24 of the league’s 32 owners would need to vote to oust Snyder from power.

Looking ahead: This all comes with next week’s NFL owners meetings looming. And while there are currently no plans to vote him out at those meetings, owners are reportedly mulling other ways to send him packing, such as refusing to let him borrow money for a new stadium. Time’s up, buddy.