The Washington Commanders are one game away from the Super Bowl. And Dan Snyder is not happy about it.
Washington's previous owner left the franchise in ruin. Snyder brought nothing but shame and disgrace to the organization throughout his tenure. They went from an NFL powerhouse to a laughingstock, shunned by the league following decades of decay.
Things look more promising now. The Commanders won back respect around the NFL. They have ambition with Josh Harris' ownership group leading the charge. Their project is way ahead of schedule and this once-downtrodden franchise is an attractive destination once again.
Dan Snyder reportedly hates the Commanders' surprising success
Regardless of what happens in the NFC Championship game, the future is incredibly bright in Washington. Seth Wickersham and Don Van Natta Jr. from ESPN's recent exposé on Snyder claimed that the recluse is far from happy about the current renaissance in D.C.
"He f---ing hates it."Dan Snyder associate
What a shame.
The fact Snyder is so bitter makes this fairytale run to the final four even sweeter. It's something that the Commanders would never have accomplished under his watch. He didn't have the nuance or the passion to run an NFL franchise effectively, which was reflected in the team's downward spiral to rock bottom.
But amid all the controversy, constant failure, and severe lack of investment, Snyder didn't want to let the organization go. The revealing article from Wickersham and Van Natta delved deeper into just how petty he became before eventually relinquishing power.
With the $6 billion transaction agreed upon and everything seemingly settled, Snyder remained reluctant. He tried everything to stay in power, even refusing to give Harris his bank details to get the sale over the final hurdle.
"Suddenly, the sale's closing -- a supposed formality -- turned into an eleventh-hour drama, multiple sources with direct knowledge told ESPN. Snyder threatened to kill the deal by refusing to share his bank information, preventing Harris from wiring him the money. At 1 a.m. on July 21, Snyder and his wife were fielding phone calls from various executives and confidants, urging him to do what he'd pledged and let go of the team."Seth Wickersham, Don Van Natta Jr.
Pathetic. Nothing more to say.
Snyder can only look on as the Commanders flourish. He's only got himself to blame, alienating almost everyone and becoming increasingly distant as toxicity reigned supreme. The scenes of jubilation across the region when his dark cloud finally lifted spoke volumes.
Fans are not bothered about Snyder, not anymore. They are enthused and reignited by the new regime. The right people are in place and ambitious plans are being formed behind the scenes. All the old owner can do is watch from afar and suck the bitter lemon of regret.
That's the main takeaway from this. Snyder could have had something truly special in Washington. This was a storied NFL franchise and one of the most recognizable sporting brands anywhere in the world. All it needed was a little bit of care and the proper investment.
Instead, Snyder treated the team like his personal cash cow. If the Commanders manage to beat the Philadelphia Eagles and book their place in the Super Bowl, one cannot help but think of what he'll be doing.
Oh to be a fly on the wall in that room.