For years, many around the NFL have complained about what has seemed like a toxic work culture in the Washington Commanders organization, and that toxic culture seemed to flow from owner Dan Snyder.
But a group headlined by Josh Harris, an entrepreneur who is a native of the Washington, D.C. area, has reached a preliminary agreement to buy the Commanders from Snyder, and people throughout the region are excited that perhaps it could herald a new era for the team.
Former Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III said that if the sale goes through, it will “help lift a dark cloud from the organization.”
“I think this will help lift a dark cloud from the organization. Allow the players, the coaches and everyone involved to truly put focus on only trying to win football games.”
—@RGIII on the potential sale of the Washington Commanders pic.twitter.com/ylhrn6EEwt
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) April 13, 2023
Snyder initially became the team’s owner in 1999 when he purchased them following the death of Jack Kent Cooke, their previous owner.
Under Cooke’s leadership, the team, which was then known as the Redskins, won three Super Bowls in the 1980s and early 1990s and was considered a prominent NFL franchise, if not a flagship one.
But with Snyder at the helm, they have made the playoffs just six times and have fallen into long-term mediocrity.
Of course, the main complaint about Snyder has been alleged incidents of bullying and intimidation, which include numerous allegations of sexual harassment.
It has been part of what some say is a toxic culture of bigotry across the entire league, something that has come to light recently after the Jon Gruden incident with the Las Vegas Raiders and former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores’ accusation of racial discrimination.
Harris is already part of groups that own the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, and although he has reached a preliminary agreement, it is a non-exclusive one, which means another individual or group can swoop in with another offer.
