Report: Owners would initiate vote to remove Snyder if Commanders not sold
NFL owners would move toward a vote to remove Daniel Snyder from ownership of the Washington Commanders if he doesn't sell the franchise, sources told the Washington Post's Mark Maske, Nicki Jhabvala, and Liz Clarke.
Snyder demanded that the NFL and other franchise owners indemnify him against future legal liability and costs if he sells the team, per the Washington Post. The 58-year-old reportedly said he'd sue the league if his requests aren't fulfilled.
The Commanders refuted the report later Monday.
"The story posted tonight by the Washington Post regarding the transaction process involving the Washington Commanders is simply untrue," the team said in a statement.
Franchise owners had called Snyder's demands "ridiculous" and "absurd," according to the Washington Post. They believe any vote to remove Snyder would survive a legal challenge.
Three-quarters of franchise owners would need to support a potential vote for Snyder to be removed as the Commanders' owner.
Snyder reportedly requested that the league keep the findings of attorney Mary Jo White's ongoing investigation into alleged workplace misconduct and sexual harassment confidential. The NFL said the findings will be released publicly.
Federal authorities in the Eastern District of Virginia are also investigating the Commanders for potential financial improprieties.
Washington is fielding offers for the potential sale of the team. Prospective buyers include Philadelphia 76ers owner Josh Harris, Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta, and billionaire Jeff Bezos.
Snyder reportedly denied Bezos the opportunity to bid. Bezos owns the Washington Post, which published reports documenting a culture of sexual harassment within the Commanders. The Amazon founder recently hired an investment firm to evaluate a possible offer for the franchise.
Snyder, alongside his wife Tanya, announced in November they had hired Bank of America Securities to consider potential transactions for the franchise. It remains uncertain if part or all of the franchise could be sold.
Snyder purchased the franchise in 1999.