Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines with outgoing owner Dan Snyder not done disgracing the franchise just yet?
We are now seven days away from the scheduled vote to officially approve the $6.05 billion sale of the Washington Commanders to Josh Harris and his new ownership group. However, considering recent regional and national media revelations, there could be a few twists and turns to come.
That said, among the stories causing debate recently include former Commanders up for Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement, Sam Howell's leash, Dan Snyder threatening to hold up the vote, and an alleged PowerPoint devised to blackmail the league and keep the outgoing owner from receiving repercussions regarding a series of concerning issues.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Former Commanders up for Pro Football Hall of Fame
Joe Jacoby - a three-time Super Bowl champion and member of the famous Hogs' offensive line - is one of several former Washington Commanders up for prestigious positions of football immortality in Canton, Ohio. The Pro Football Hall of Fame has eluded the two-time All-Pro so far, but the fact he's still under consideration is a testament to how big of an impact he made on one of the most excellent protection units in NFL history.
Wide receiver Harry Ellard and running back Larry Brown were other ex-players who made the semi-final. Some high-profile former Commanders coaches also made the list including Marty Schottenheimer and Mike Shanahan among two others - Clark Shaughnessy and Frank "Bucko" Kilroy.
Hopefully, there will be something to celebrate for one or two associated with the franchise in 2024. Because they are all deeply deserving of such an honor.
Commanders owner Dan Snyder's blackmail PowerPoint
If Washington Commanders fans thought Dan Snyder was going to ride off into the sunset with very little controversy and more than $6 billion in his pocket, they were mistaken. The last 24 hours have been a microcosm of his turbulent spell as owner, which will hopefully come to a final conclusion on July 20 if newfound concerns can be alleviated over the coming days.
This all started with a fantastic piece from Don Van Natta Jr. and Seth Wickersham of ESPN that detailed how the leaked emails involving Jon Gruden proved to be the catalyst behind Snyder's demise. And in particular, a blackmail PowerPoint document presented to Roger Goodell that was vindictive in nature and another sign that the billionaire was willing to do whatever it takes to save his own skin.
"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
Snyder got what he wanted, but the last year saw further scandals emerge that left him with no option other than to sell up and move on. But the fact Goodell bowed to his demands does make one wonder what exactly was in that PowerPoint presentation.
If Snyder thought this was his power play, it backfired miserably. However, he might have an ace up his sleeve still to play.
Commanders not 'all-in' on Sam Howell?
Sam Howell has a chance to be successful under Eric Bieniemy's guidance as the Washington Commanders' starting quarterback in 2023. The former fifth-round selection has enormous pressure on his shoulders to produce, but that does not detract from what a big gamble this is from head coach Ron Rivera with his own job at stake in 2023.
The Commanders hedged their bets by picking up Jacoby Brissett in free agency, who had a top-10 QBR last season and represents a dependable presence in the event Howell fluffs his lines. What nobody knows as part of this particular equation is how short the North Carolina product's leash will be when the regular season arrives.
This was a topic brought up by Ralph Vacchiano of FOX Sports, who stated that the Commanders were not all-in on Howell right now. But that could alter depending on how he performs at camp and during the early stages of the campaign.
"Definitely not "all" in. At least not yet. They are mostly committed to [Sam] Howell as their QB1, but there’s a reason why they signed veteran Jacoby Brissett to be his (probable) backup and why [Ron] Rivera won’t commit to Howell being his Opening Day starter. So far all Rivera has said is that Howell is the current first-teamer, and it will be that way entering training camp. Then they’ll see how it goes. That’s because they really do want to see how it goes first. They believe in Howell and they think he’s going to be good — so much so that they were willing to trust him in a year whereas, Rivera probably needs to win to keep his job. But they are leaving the door open in case there’s any sign this summer that he’s not quite ready."Ralph Vacchiano, FOX Sports
Howell knows the stakes and there is a quiet confidence about his demeanor that's winning over teammates. Something that can hopefully propel the Commanders to better things next season.
Dan Snyder could hold up Commanders sale vote
Just when it looked like the finish line was in sight.
Nicki Jhabvala and Mark Maske from The Washington Post were burning the midnight oil just a few short hours ago, revealing that outgrowing owner Dan Snyder's stubbornness is threatening to delay the proposed July 20 vote to approve the Washington Commanders' sale. This stems from the billionaire's alleged unwillingness to indemnify the league from any liability relating to the leaked Jon Gruden emails and the aforementioned blackmail PowerPoint.
"That person described the complications as “significant” and “not just some small snag,” expressing the view that the issues could delay the owners’ approval of the sale and the closing of the deal if they’re not resolved. But the person also left open the possibility that Snyder and his attorneys merely are attempting to extract last-minute concessions from the NFL on legal indemnification related to Gruden’s lawsuit against the league, and the issues will be resolved in time for the owners to ratify the deal as expected next Thursday. “Hopefully it gets resolved,” that person said. “But at this point, it’s serious.” 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."Nicki Jhabvala and Mark Maske
Time is of the essence, obviously. We are now seven days away before owners are scheduled to congregate with the specific reason to usher in the Josh Harris group's era in Washington, which could now be put back unless a compromise is reached.
This is not what fans wanted to hear, to put it mildly. All we can do is wait and hope everything comes to a satisfactory conclusion and Snyder's dark stain on the Commanders is gone for good this time next week.