Washington Commanders investigating sexual harassment allegation against owner

The Washington Commanders football team is investigating sexual harassment allegations against owner Dan Snyder, The Associated Press reported.

The National Football League previously conducted an investigation into sexual harassment and workplace misconduct allegations against Snyder, resulting in a $10 million fine against the Commanders.

Tiffani Johnston, who was a cheerleader and marketing manager for the team during the 2000s, is the first person to directly accuse Snyder of sexually harassing her, although many former employees have accused him of creating a toxic work environment for women.

Johnston claims that Snyder groped her thigh at a dinner and later placed his hand on her lower back and pushed her in the direction of his limousine.

While Snyder claims that the allegations are “outright lies,” the NFL stated that it would examine the claims along with the team’s internal investigation.

Snyder’s attorney, Jordan Siev, said that Johnston “refused to be interviewed” during the initial investigation.

The internal probe will be led by Debra Wong Yang, a former U.S. attorney and California state judge, in conjunction with consulting firm Pallas Global Group LLC, and the results will be shared with the public.

“The team is committed to a thorough and independent investigation of Ms. Johnston’s allegations, and pledges full cooperation with the investigation,” said a statement from the Commanders, according to The Associated Press.

Tanya Snyder, Dan Snyder’s wife, has been in charge of the regular operations of the team while Snyder is investigated.