The NFL is taking over the investigation into Washington’s alleged workplace misconduct, according to the NFL Network.
The league-owned network reported Monday that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell informed Washington owner Dan Snyder of the move as a way to ensure further independence of the investigation.
After 17 women accused former team employees of sexual harassment, Washington hired prominent District-based attorney Beth Wilkinson and her law firm to conduct an investigation. Last week, more allegations were levied in an article in The Washington Post, with a former cheerleader accusing Snyder of humiliating her at a charity event in 2004. Another 25 women also said they were sexually harassed during their time with the team.
Goodell said last week that the league strongly condemned the allegations and indicated that the NFL had recommended Wilkinson to Washington. A team spokesperson said then that Wilkinson would remain in charge of the investigation since the league considered her to be independent.
The NFL Network reported that Wilkinson will still lead the investigation, but now will report the findings directly to Goodell and the NFL instead of Washington.
A day after the additional allegations surfaced, two lawyers representing more than 15 former Washington employees pushed for the league to launch a new investigation, saying their clients did not trust the investigators hired by Snyder.
But on Monday, those lawyers — Lisa Banks and Debra Katz — said in a statement they were encouraged by the league’s handling of the investigation after meeting with the NFL.
“Today we had a productive discussion with the NFL about the ongoing investigation into the Washington Football Team related to widespread allegations of sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse,” Banks and Katz said. “We understand that the NFL is coordinating directly with the independent investigators and is receiving information on a daily basis, and will receive the full report once the investigation is completed.
“The NFL assured us that any repercussions for the team or its owner will be commensurate with the report’s findings.”
The women added the league had secured the release of Washington employees or former employees bounded by any non-disclosure agreements — a pivotal step in helping the investigation, they said.
“We communicated our strong belief that without this type of transparency, there can be no real accountability, and moreover, that victims of this type of abuse should be able to tell their stories when and how they wish to do so, without threat of legal action,” they said.
“We are pleased and encouraged that the league is taking this matter seriously and we expect that it will take appropriate action against Daniel Snyder and the Washington Football Team upon conclusion of the investigation.”
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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