FACTS
On Thursday, The Washington Post released a report in which 15 women made allegations that they were sexually harassed during their employment with the Washington DC National Football League (NFL) team, formerly the Redskins. Two of the team’s accused personnel were fired, and a third abruptly quit after allegations were made. The two other men who were accused are no longer with the team. Dan Snyder, owner of the team, said the matter is currently undergoing an independent investigation by Wilkinson Walsh law firm. Allegations included verbal abuse, invitations to hotel rooms, inappropriate text messages of a sexual nature, regular remarks regarding women’s clothing and bodies, and pressure to dress and act a certain way “to close sale deals.” The accusations come amid controversy surrounding the team’s name which has been labeled racist and will be replaced by a soon-to-be-announced new name and branding.
CRITICISM
While Snyder himself was not accused of sexual harassment, it was noted that he had to have been aware of the happenings. A USA Today opinion piece said that the NFL’s response to “domestic and sexual violence had demeaned and devalued women, putting their health and safety in danger.”
“The NFL either supports women or it supports Daniel Snyder. It cannot do both.”
Nancy Armour, USA Today columnist
“These matters as reported are serious, disturbing and contrary to the NFL’s values…We will meet with the attorneys upon the conclusion of their investigation and take any action based on the findings,” the NFL league said in a statement.
As The Post presented detailed allegations and findings to the club, three team employees accused of improper behavior abruptly departed, including Larry Michael, the club’s longtime radio voice, and Alex Santos, the team’s director of pro personnel.https://t.co/G2fGBiEZLG pic.twitter.com/HcaLLw4kti
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) July 16, 2020
TEAM OFFICIALS
“Dan Snyder brought me here to change culture (and) create an environment of inclusion among employees,” stated Rob Rivera who was recently hired by Snyder as the head coach. Snyder said in a statement Friday, “The behavior described in yesterday’s Washington Post article has no place in our franchise or society,” and added that following the investigation, the team will “institute new policies and procedures and strengthen our human resources infrastructure.”
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