Negotiations between the NFL and representatives for Washington Commanders owner Daniel Snyder are facing challenges. That could complicate the approval and completion of Snyder’s $6.05 billion sale of the franchise to a group led by Josh Harris. According to two individuals familiar with the discussions between the league’s attorneys and Snyder.
As of Wednesday night, it remained unclear whether these complications would impact the NFL’s plans. To seek team owners’ approval for the sale at an upcoming meeting in Minneapolis.
One of the sources knowledgeable about the deliberations indicated that the complications are partly related to legal issues. Surrounding the leaked emails that led to Jon Gruden’s resignation as the coach of the Las Vegas Raiders in October 2021.
According to this source, part of the complexity arises from Snyder’s sister Michele’s unwillingness to agree to indemnify the other owners from legal liabilities in the Gruden case. Michele Snyder is a partial owner of the Commanders. And all limited partners must consent to the provisions outlined in the sale agreement. The source also mentioned that Daniel Snyder, who had previously been willing to sign an affidavit denying his involvement in leaking the emails. Which led to Gruden’s resignation, has now changed his stance and is no longer willing to do so.
Another individual familiar with the communications between the Commanders and the NFL stated that the team’s perspective is that all Commanders owners have agreed to indemnify the league. That is against any damages resulting from their actions and the team’s actions.
Challenges with Indemnification and Confidentiality of Investigation Findings
However, such an agreement may not extend to the actions of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Executive Vice President Jeff Pash.
In February, The Washington Post reported that Snyder was seeking to keep the findings of an investigation by Beth Wilkinson confidential. In May, ESPN reported that Snyder and his legal team were urging the NFL. That limit the release of Wilkinson’s report. The Commanders denied this report. Goodell has stated that the league will publicly disclose Wilkinson’s findings even if Snyder sells the team.
Sources familiar with the NFL’s internal operations have indicated that if the issues with Snyder can be resolved. The owners are expected to approve Harris’s deal to purchase the team from Snyder. At the special league meeting scheduled for next Thursday.
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