Commanders players are furious over Dan Snyder’s latest stunt

The Washington Commanders have a gargantuan game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football. Like countless times during the Dan Snyder, though, an imperative date on the schedule is overshadowed by the owner’s propensity to embarrass both himself and the franchise.

Seemingly on the verge of putting the team up for sale, and already the subject of multiple investigations, Snyder is now being sued by the D.C. Attorney General’s office for “colluding to deceive residents of the District of Columbia” with respect to the league’s investigation into Washington’s toxic workplace culture.

The bombshell announcement was teased on Wednesday, to which Snyder pushed back and accused Attorney General Karl Racine of failing to keep the streets safe. In doing so, Snyder’s lawyers made reference to Brian Robinson, who was shot twice in his lower extremities during a robbery attempt in August.

The fallout has been seismic. So much so that Snyder’s off-field distractions are finally carrying weight in the Commanders’ locker room. As JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington noted Thursday morning, players are furious Snyder forced Robinson to relive a near-death experience to deter from what is now a civil lawsuit.

Commanders players are furious Dan Snyder invoked the Brian Robinson shooting.

Shortly thereafter, Washington cornerback Benjamin St-Juste aired his Snyder frustration to a French-language newspaper. St-Just referred to Snyder as a “dark cloud” hanging over the organization, which he believes needs a “fresh start.”  St-Juste is especially tired of on-field accomplishments being drowned out by Snyder’s antics.

Taylor Heinicke echoed that sentiment addressing the media Thursday.

"“It’s a little bit frustrating, but at the same time we control what we can control, and that’s just going out and practicing every day, focusing on Philly. That’s all we can do. You know obviously it seems like every week something pops up, but as players I think we do a good job of weaving that out and focusing on ball."

Another all-time good guy, Charles Leno was asked about Robinson’s wholly unnecessary involvement in the Snyder-Rice drama.

"“Of course it’s upsetting. He (Robinson) should never have been a part of that situation. That’s my opinion and I’ll just leave it at that…. His feelings and what he’s gone through should have been a completely separate deal.”"

When asked if this latest distraction will affect the locker room before Monday night’s showdown in Philly, the normally-jolly Leno showed a little fire, saying “it’s very tough” to focus on football with so many distractions engulfing the franchise. Fans will absolutely love this response from the veteran left tackle.

What more needs to be said? The fact the perpetually smiling Heinicke and Leno are showing frustration says it all. It really gives you a greater appreciation for how the team is able to compete and how coaches are able to prepare their players week-in and week-out while (doing their best) to block out the Snyder noise.

And to think they play the undefeated Eagles on the road in primetime 96 hours from now. Really makes you sick to your stomach.

Get Snyder out of here as soon as possible.