Washington Commanders – The ownership in crisis

As Daniel Snyder’s ownership in Washington comes under increasing scrutiny, Riggo’s Rag writers weigh in on the situation. First up: Ken Johannesen

The Washington Commanders recently celebrated a change that will impact the team for many decades to come, but there are plenty of harsh realities that can’t be ignored.  It hangs over the entire organization like a cloud of anger and sadness.

In 1937, the Washington football franchise (then known as the Redskins) relocated from Boston to Washington and a new era of sports began in the DMV.  From 1932 to 1949, the organization was a member of the NFL’s Eastern Division.  This was the first golden era for the team as they won two NFL championships and we’re consistently in the playoffs.

From 1950 to 1952, the Commanders were members of the American Conference in the league and were placed in the Capitol Division of the Eastern Conference from 1953 to 1969.  This was a period of time when the team struggled and had to deal with an owner that was a known racist.  Otherwise, it was a time when the organization failed to have any significant impacts on the playing field.

Washington Commanders – The ownership in crisis

Since 1970, Washington has spent the rest of its history to the present day in the NFC East and the period of time to 1992 produced a second golden era of success and achievement.  Three Super Bowl championships and numerous playoff appearances were a special time for the team and fans.  In 1999, fans gave a final heartfelt farewell to an owner (Jack Kent Cooke) who brought them so much success and excitement.  A new owner took the reins and fans were more than happy to give the young man a chance.

When the Dan Snyder era began, fans didn’t know what to expect, but they were willing to give the new owner many benefits of the doubt.  The first decade produced a lot of uncertainty, but fans were patient and figured that he needed time to become a mature, seasoned owner.  Little did anyone know that there were other alleged troubles lurking in the background.

The 2010 to 2019 decade brought more problems and poor results on the football field.  Fans were becoming increasingly frustrated and the organization parted ways with a polarizing team President Bruce Allen.  A highly respected head coach was hired and the entire front office was restructured.  Fans were still skeptical, but encouraged by the changes.  Suddenly, the football world was met with a massive change and an explosive bombshell.

In mid-July of 2020, the Washington Commanders announced that they were dropping the team name after a summer of national unrest and would begin the process of finding a new identity.  However, the bombshell occurred on July 17 as serious allegations of sexual harassment and lewd behavior were leveled at the organization.  The alleged harassment claims were aimed at several team officials and the front office was quickly changed amid the accusations.  Fans were appalled as several women came forward with disturbing assertions.

This scandal has come to the forefront once again as the NFL and Dan Snyder appear to be in a struggle of how to deal with everything and move forward.  Congress has become involved and is threatening to blow the scandal wide open by requesting all documents from the Beth Wilkinson investigation.

The beginning of the end?

New allegations were brought forth in the recent Congressional hearings and for the first time, the charges are now linked directly to Dan Snyder.  The new accusations are the most serious thus far and they could also bring criminal charges and potential lawsuits.

Unfortunately, fans of this team continue to be frustrated, angered, and depressed with an owner that seems to be entangled in turmoil after turmoil.  Will Snyder be forced to sell the team?  Will he be fined once again?  Could the team be forced to forfeit draft picks?  Twenty-three years with Dan Snyder at the helm now feels like a rudderless ship that is on its final voyage.  Can it remain afloat?  Stay tuned.