Meet Super Brave Women Behind Dan Snyder’s reason for Selling the Commanders
Dan Snyder, the owner of the Washington Commanders, is rumored to have decided to sell the team following years of turmoil, which included claims of sexual harassment and a bad work environment. Reactions to the revelation from former employees who spoke out about the problems with the business were divided.
One of the women who came forward, Melanie Coburn, cried when she heard the news at the airport just before she boarded a flight to see Taylor Swift with a friend. The sale, according to Coburn, brought “tears of relief, it’s tears of joy that we did it, that we actually had an impact and made a difference and that finally there would be some sort of accountability for everything that went on in that organization for so long.”
While Owner of the Washington Commanders, Dan Snyder was accused of sexually harassing women who worked for the team for over two decades.
He sold the team for $6.05B this morning.
Somethings in life aren’t fair. pic.twitter.com/Vd6i9wTSb5
— Devine Sports Gospel (@DevineGospel) April 13, 2023
Megan Imbert, a former worker, wasn’t quite ready to celebrate yet, noting lingering anger that the NFL hadn’t fired Snyder years ago. Imbert commended individuals who spoke up, noting that “the people that did the right thing were the brave people that came forward, the media that continue to push and expose the truth, and Congress pursuing this … I think I’d be happier if these other folks stood up for what is right.”
Washington Commanders former employee, @melanietc, has been part of every investigation regarding Dan Snyder and the Washington Commanders. @wusa9 #HTTC
Here's her reaction to Dan Snyder selling the team:
More: https://t.co/OrsW1zcugW pic.twitter.com/1ItCN2qbrZ
— Darren M. Haynes (@DarrenMHaynes) April 14, 2023
Prior to the current scandals, Snyder had a reputation for being a “jerk,” with many decrying his leadership style and ego. Instead of being regarded for its on-field success, the franchise became known for making disastrous free-agent picks. However, the situation worsened in 2018 when cheerleaders for the Washington team were allegedly mistreated, and 15 women came forward in 2020 with charges of sexual harassment. In later investigations, the number of complaints rose to about 40.
Action against Dan Snyder
Snyder was charged with not only ignoring the harassment but also taking part in it. According to reports, movies for Snyder were allegedly generated from cheerleader photoshoots without the women’s consent, splicing together instances in which a breast or other body part may have been exposed when ladies repositioned themselves.
I’m crying in the airport on my way to Tampa! I can’t wait to hear @taylorswift13 sing Karma tomorrow. I’m so grateful for all the brave souls who came forward (& cheered us on from the sidelines) in this fight. Wow! It really happened. 😭❤️🙏🏻✨ #ReleaseTheReport #goodriddance https://t.co/AF7mWx5dPd
— Melanie Coburn (@melanietc) April 13, 2023
Several women said Snyder made sexual attempts towards them, and one woman claimed Snyder tried to force her into accompanying a team doctor to his hotel room. Snyder refuted the allegations.
How many times have you been sexually harassed while working for Washington FB team?
Melanie Coburn: More than 200 times
Tiffani Johnston: 50-100 times
Ana Nunez: Over 100 times
Emily Applegate: 515 times
Rachel Engleson: 500 times multiple by 8
More:https://t.co/FF2LwpJtjS pic.twitter.com/mFV2WuMHSR
— Darren M. Haynes (@DarrenMHaynes) February 3, 2022
Additionally, according to recent sources, Snyder received a $55 million loan without the requisite consent of his then-minority partners, which prompted an IRS and FBI criminal investigation. The Commanders have had difficulty securing government funds for a new stadium.
Snyder’s retirement is a victory for those who spoke out against the toxic atmosphere, but it is unclear what will happen to the Washington Commanders after that.
A quick thought on one of the most shameful ownership tenures in the history of professional sports coming to an end (and why this shouldn’t be over for the NFL). pic.twitter.com/h5l8UjUny8
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) April 13, 2023