What are some key takeaways from the latest revelations surrounding outgoing Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder?
Just when it looked like Dan Snyder was going to step into the shadows quietly, a whirlwind 24 hours brought more revelations surrounding the outgoing Washington Commanders owner. Something that could delay the team's sale approval from its original July 20 date.
Snyder is known for being stubborn and set in his ways. He's also a master manipulator and unable to hold himself accountable - which is a dangerous mix when one considers the elements in this particular equation.
For fans, this isn't ideal as they get set to usher in an exciting new era under an ambitious ownership group led by Josh Harris. But as always throughout his reign of terror spanning more than 24 years, Snyder is making things more difficult than they need to be.
There was a lot of information to take in, so here are three key takeaways from the latest revelations surrounding Snyder.
Commanders owner Dan Snyder played himself
A hugely informative piece from Don Vatta Jr. and Seth Wickersham from ESPN detailed Dan Snuyder's relationship with the NFL and how it began to disintegrate beyond repair after the Jon Gruden email leaks. While the culprit hasn't been named officially, the general consensus centers on the Washington Commanders owner pulling back the curtain and ending the head coach's tenure with the Las Vegas Raiders.
According to a source familiar with what transpired, this was a major error in judgment on Snyder's behalf. Had he stood pat and let his punishment play out without any backlash, the billionaire could have potentially weathered the storm and remained at the helm.
"He was free and clear that October -- he just had to wait out his suspension and let everything blow over. A major miscalculation. Without the leaks, he might just have survived."Source close to Dan Snyder via ESPN
Not for the first time since assuming command of an NFL franchise, Snyder played himself. Thinking you're the smartest person in the room and being it are two different things - something he's found out to his cost.
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.
Commanders owner Dan Snyder still thinks he's got upper hand
Even though his back's been against the wall for a considerable period of time, Dan Snyder clearly feels like he still has the upper hand. This has the scope to delay the Washington Commanders' sale approval to Josh Harris' ownership group, which was scheduled for July 20 but is now in doubt according to Nicki Jhabvala and Mark Maske from The Washington Post.
Snyder is not a forgiving man and feels outcast by the league despite his best efforts. But the reporter duo stated his reluctance to indemnify influential figures such as Roger Goodell and Jeff Pash against any sanctions or liabilities regarding the Jon Gruden case is the biggest stumbling block of this complex riddle.
"One person with knowledge of the negotiations between the NFL and Snyder’s attorneys said Wednesday that, while Snyder is not seeking for the league and the other owners to indemnify him against future legal liability, the complications relate to the willingness of Snyder and his family to indemnify the league and owners against liability related to the Gruden case. Snyder’s attorneys are arguing that Snyder should not be responsible for any legal liability stemming from the actions of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and league attorney Jeff Pash, the person familiar with the deliberations said."Nicki Jhabvala and Mark Maske
Other NFL owners will side with Goodell - especially given Snyder's current predicament and the fact the Commissioner's kept any further revelations out of harm's way. But if they think delaying the sale vote will help persuade the billionaire to relinquish his last remaining ace, they might be out of luck.
Snyder is stubborn beyond measure and is not one to take being slighted lying down. Whether that's enough to jeopardize $6.05 billion is another matter entirely.
Commanders could be left in limbo
One doesn't have to look far across social media to see the excitement about the Washington Commanders falling under new ownership. Fans have been waiting for this moment of celebration to arrive for years, but they might be waiting a while longer yet if Dan Snyder has his way.
Snyder's connection to the fanbase has been non-existent. FedEx Field was devoid of any legitimate home support last season thanks to his incompetence and the owner is so far out of touch with the traditions and changing environment, it's almost embarrassing.
If Snyder's petulance results in the sale vote being delayed, it leaves everyone associated with the Commanders in limbo. Ron Rivera won't be able to make football moves in terms of signings or extensions, Josh Harris' group must wait to install their new ethos, and players could also become distracted heading into Washington's pivotal training camp before the 2023 season.
This will be irrelevant to Snyder. He's never cared about the team - only his own personal gain - something that's brought nothing but failure on the field and a laughable reputation around league circles under his inept leadership.
There isn't much any fan could do besides wait and hope that this latest Snyder power play is nothing more than one last attempt to make the league nervous before walking away with a healthy financial profit.