NFL to investigate new sexual misconduct allegations against Washington Commanders owner

The NFL said it will conduct its own investigation into the new sexual misconduct allegations against Washington Commanders owner Daniel Snyder that emerged during a House Oversight and Reform Committee roundtable last week.

Former team cheerleader and marketing manager Tiffani Johnston accused Snyder of sexually harassing her during a work-related dinner, which he outright denied. 

“Last week, the League stated that we will review and consider Ms. Johnston’s allegations as we would any others regarding workplace conduct at the Washington Commanders,” league spokesman Brian McCarthy told The Hill.

“The League, not the team, will conduct an independent investigation and will be retaining an investigator to determine the facts shortly,” he added.

The NFL had previously conducted an investigation into the workplace misconduct and sexual harassment claims against the team, leading the league to order Snyder to pay a $10 million fine. However, the NFL has refused to make the findings public, saying doing so could jeopardize the anonymity of those involved. 

The league’s remarks Wednesday come as Snyder, who has owned the team for 22 years, plans to commission another investigation into Johnston’s claims, saying her accusations against him are “outright lies.”

“The team is committed to a thorough and independent investigation of Ms. Johnston’s allegations, and pledges full cooperation with the investigation,” the newly renamed club said in a statement on its own probe.

House Oversight and Reform Committee Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) and member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) questioned Snyder’s involvement in an investigation of the claims against him. 

“Dan Snyder cannot be trusted to lead an investigation into the serious allegations against him that emerged at the Committee’s roundtable, and the NFL must commit not just to investigate, but to do so with complete transparency,” Maloney said in a statement.

“The idea that this ‘independent’ investigation is anything more than an attempt to further cover up his bad behavior and intimidate the victims who bravely shared their stories is absurd,” Krishnamoorthi added. 

The Hill has reached out to the Commanders for comment.