Irsay: ‘Merit’ to removing Snyder
NEW YORK — Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay says there’s “merit to remove” Dan Snyder as owner of the Washington Commanders, making him the first NFL owner to publicly state that his controversial counterpart should go.
Snyder’s status has been widely debated for years amid several scandals and investigations into workplace conduct in Washington. The league has been investigating allegations of sexual misconduct and financial impropriety, a probe conducted by attorney Mary Jo White that is ongoing.
Removing Snyder would be unprecedented and requires 24 votes from the other owners.
“It’s something we have to review, we have to look at all the evidence and we have to be thorough and it’s something that has to be given serious consideration,” Irsay said Tuesday.
The Commanders released a statement saying the Snyders will not sell the team.
“It is unfortunate that Mr. Irsay decided to go public with his statement today, while an investigation is in process, and the team has had no opportunity to formally respond to allegations,” the statement said in part. “We are confident that, when he has an opportunity to see the actual evidence in this case, Mr. Irsay will conclude that there is no reason for the Snyders to consider selling the franchise. And they won’t.”
Snyder’s ownership of the Commanders became a big issue again last week when ESPN reported, citing anonymous sources, that he has hired private investigators and told people he has enough information to expose fellow owners and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. The Commanders denied the contents of the report.
Odds and ends
Goodell said suspended Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has met the requirements of his settlement with the league to this point after being accused of sexual misconduct by two dozen women. Watson, who is serving an 11-game suspension, agreed to pay a $5 million fine and undergo mandatory counseling and treatment before he could apply for reinstatement. The threetime Pro Bowler returned to Cleveland’s facility last week, but he can’t practice with the Browns (2-4) until Nov. 14. …
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson said he tweaked a hamstring during the fourth quarter of Monday night’s overtime loss to the Los Angeles Chargers and is considered day to day. … Pittsburgh rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett will practice Wednesday and will play Sunday night against Miami if he clears the NFL’s concussion protocol. … The Baltimore Ravens are signing veteran receiver DeSean Jackson, 35, to their practice squad … Former Tennessee and San Francisco tight end Delanie Walker, a threetime Pro Bowler, retired from the NFL after 14 seasons — nearly three years after his final game.