Dan Snyder’s decision to sell Commanders makes more sense with reported investigation

The Washington Commanders are under criminal investigation over allegations of engaging in financial improprieties. 

On Wednesday, an exclusive report from Forbes revealed that Dan and Tanya Snyder were looking to sell the Washington Commanders franchise, something that fans have been calling for for years. The Commanders then confirmed the news in an official statement, saying that they are working with Bank of America Securities. Hours after this announcement, a bombshell report dropped.

ESPN’s Don Van Natta Jr. reports that the Eastern District of Virginia is conducting a criminal investigation into the Commanders franchise engaged in alleged financial improprieties.

The sources told Van Natta that the prosecutors have set their focus on multiple areas and that the “inquiry was triggered by a letter the House Committee on Oversight and Reform sent to the Federal Trade Commission and several attorneys general in April that alleged deceptive business practices.”

Commanders under criminal investigation for engaging in financial improprieties

In regards to the aforementioned letter from the House Committee to the FTC, it mentioned that they found evidence that the organization withheld ticket revenue from visiting teams and refundable deposits from fans.

John Brownlee, an attorney for the Commanders, responded to the report from ESPN, calling the allegations “simply untrue.”

The Commanders have been involved in multiple scandals, including a toxic workplace investigation that saw them receive a $10 million fine. The league is investigating sexual misconduct allegations within the organization, led by Mary Jo White, but there is no exact timeline for its completion.

Snyder had been in the news recently, as an ESPN report indicated that he says he has “dirt” on other owners and commissioner Roger Goodell. Days later, Colts owner Jim Irsay said at the NFL owner’s meeting that there was merit to remove Snyder as Washington owner.