NFL takes over conduct investigation

The NFL has taken over the independent investigation into workplace conduct within the Washington Football Team, a person familiar with the situation said Monday.

The person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, said Commissioner Roger Goodell discussed this step with owner Dan Snyder, who was supportive.

After The Washington Post reported 15 female former employees saying they were sexually harassed during their time with the team, Snyder last month hired Washington law firm Wilkinson Walsh LLP to review the team’s culture, policies and allegations of workplace misconduct. Attorney Beth Wilkinson now reports directly to the league office.

The change of course comes less than a week after the Post reported additional examples of workplace sexual harassment, along with allegations that Snyder was personally involved. Wilkinson and a spokesman for Snyder did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment.

Lawyers Lisa Banks and Debra Katz, who represent more than 15 former team employees, met with NFL senior vice present and special counsel for investigations Lisa Friel on Monday. The law firm of Katz, Marshall and Banks LLP sent a letter to Goodell on Thursday asking the league to launch its own investigation.

“Our clients would gladly participate in such an NFL investigation but do not feel safe speaking to investigators hired by Mr. Snyder and do not trust the investigation that is currently underway,” Banks and Katz wrote in the letter.