Commanders news: Dan Snyder on Carson Wentz, Bruce Allen deposition

Washington Commanders fans have grown accustomed to Dan Snyder making headlines — normally for all of the wrong reasons — days before a big game. That’s exactly what happened before the Eagles upset on MNF in Week 10. This time, ironically, Snyder is back in the news during the team’s bye week.

According to a report from the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform, Snyder “permitted and participated” in Washington’s toxic work culture, and interfered with Beth Wilkinson’s year-long investigation by intimidating witnesses from cooperating and ducking a subpoena. He was also ambiguous and misleading to the point he claimed more than 100 times he didn’t recall answers to questions.

Sadly, nobody is surprised by any of that.

The report also took aim at the NFL, however, claiming it “misled the public about its handling of the Wilkinson investigation, continues to minimize workplace misconduct across the league, has not protected workers from sexual harassment and abuse,” and “has not sought true accountability for those responsible.”

Just an ordinary Thursday for Commanders fans. With six more days until Washington suits up again, here’s a little news roundup to kick off the new week.

More Commanders news

• According to transcripts from Snyder’s deposition, the owner “jumped for joy” after Washington acquired Carson Wentz. You’ll remember ESPN’s explosive report claiming Snyder was behind the Wentz trade, which Ron Rivera vehemently denied to the media.
• Per the Washington Post, former Washington president Bruce Allen testified that the Commanders leaked the emails containing racist and misogynistic language that led to Jon Gruden’s resignation last October.
• When asked about emails pertaining to Trent Williams, Allen alleged Snyder was the driving force behind the former LT’s controversial departure, which saw him traded to the 49ers following a contract holdout and a misdiagnosis of a cancerous growth on his head that nearly derailed his career.
• Defensive captain Jonathan Allen is giving away free tickets for the Commanders-Giants showdown on Sunday Night Football. With everything to play for in the game, Allen is calling on fans to sell out FedEx Field.
• Per the latest Pro Bowl voting update, Allen is fourth among NFC defensive linemen, Daron Payne is fifth in the same category, Terry McLaurin is third among NFC wideouts, Tress Way is second among punters, and Montez Sweat is 10th among DEs.
• Charles Leno is the Commanders’ nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award.

NFL News

• Newly-minted Rams QB Baker Mayfield led a 98-yard game-winning drive (with zero timeouts) to defeat the favored Raiders on Thursday Night Football, just 48 hours after he was claimed off waivers by LA.
• The NFL fined the Saints, including several coaches and defensive leader Cameron Jordan a combined $550 million for faking an injury during the fourth quarter of their Week 13 loss to the Buccaneers. In a team statement, New Orleans denied the allegations, confirmed it will appeal the fines, and claimed Jordan underwent an MRI and was diagnosed with an acute mid-foot sprain.
• Giants RB Saquon Barkley is dealing with a neck injury after appearing on the injury report for the first time Thursday. He’ll likely play against Washington in Week 15, but presumably won’t be near 100% healthy.
• Ravens QB Lamar Jackson may not play again until Christmas Eve as he recovers from a sprained PCL. This could have huge implications on the AFC playoff picture, with the Ravens competing for the AFC North crown.