4 key takeaways from latest revelations surrounding Commanders owner Dan Snyder
By Dean Jones
Commanders owner Dan Snyder's blackmail PowerPoint
Another telling revelation from Don Vatta Jr. and Seth Wickersham of ESPN centered around the PowerPoint presentation that ended up being a tool for Dan Snyder's blackmail. This ruthless method of saving his own skin is further proof that there is nothing the Washington Commanders owner wouldn't do to protect himself, which shocked influential figures around the NFL and even made his own attorneys feel uncomfortable.
Snyder made his demands clear in no uncertain terms. Considering Roger Goodell seemingly bowed to his every demand, one has to question how damning his PowerPoint was and could be if it were ever to become public knowledge.
"The rationale, according to a source with firsthand knowledge, was to argue the hypocrisy of league officials judging Snyder. The tactics were so ruthless that some attorneys felt uncomfortable. Although none of the content was sexist, anti-gay or graphic, the signal was clear: If Goodell didn't do what Snyder wanted in terms of handling the Wilkinson report and punishment, these emails and texts would be leaked. Snyder's PowerPoint proved effective. A few top NFL executives had persuaded Goodell to give Snyder a stiff and lengthy punishment. But as the time for announcing Snyder's punishment neared, Goodell began to reconsider. By late June, Snyder was "dictating his punishment" down to every detail, according to a source with knowledge of the deliberations."
- Don Vatta Jr. and Seth Wickersham, ESPN
This reeks of corruption on both sides. Snyder knew how to hit the NFL where it hurts, but if there wasn't substance attached to whatever ended up in his controversial PowerPoint, then Goodell would have laughed off his threats and proceeded without delay.
Instead, the opposite occurred, which might remain a mystery until the end of time.