Commanders owner Dan Snyder testifies before House committee
STEPHEN WHYNO AP Sports Writer
Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder testified before a congressional committee investigating the NFL team’s history of workplace misconduct Thursday, speaking for more than 10 hours in a deposition conducted virtually and in private.
A spokesperson for the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and a spokesperson for Snyder independently verified his testimony wrapped up after 6:30 p.m. EDT. It was scheduled to begin at 8 a.m., with Snyder appearing via Zoom from Israel.
“Washington Commanders co-owner Dan Snyder today voluntarily testified under oath for nearly 11 hours, on top of the previous cooperation provided to the committee,” a spokesperson for Snyder said in a statement. “Mr. Snyder fully addressed all questions about workplace misconduct, described the Commanders’ dramatic two-year transformation and expressed hope for the organization’s bright future.”
A committee spokesperson said it had no comment Thursday night.
Snyder agreed to testify voluntarily after committee members worked out some issues with his legal team on the terms of his deposition. The committee had previously agreed to have Snyder testify under the terms of a subpoena it had initially issued.
The committee has the discretion to decide what, if any, information it releases from Snyder’s deposition. The hearing was not recorded, though a transcript is expected to be produced.
Snyder testified a month after NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell appeared before the committee via Zoom to discuss Washington’s workplace culture and the league’s investigation into it. Snyder was invited to testify at the same hearing and, through a lawyer, declined.
The committee launched this investigation last year after the league fined Washington $10 million following its review of workplace misconduct but did not release a written report of attorney Beth Wilkinson’s findings.
Snyder’s testimony came on the second day of practice of Washington’s training camp in preparation for the 2022 season, which begins in September. While players and coaches are trying to focus on football, the congressional investigation was just one of a few off-field story lines around the team that made headlines in recent months, including an assistant’s comments about the Jan. 6 insurrection and a deal for a new stadium falling through.
Earlier Thursday, a committee spokesperson said Snyder had “committed to providing full and complete testimony, and to answer the committee’s questions about his knowledge of and contributions to the Commanders’ toxic work environment, as well as his efforts to interfere with the NFL’s internal investigation, without hiding behind nondisclosure or other confidentiality agreements.”
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— 2021 record, finish: 3-14, last in AFC South
— Super Bowl 57 odds: 125-to-1 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
— Reason for optimism: Quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The 2021 No. 1 overall pick has been a star since high school, when he was the top-ranked recruit in the country. Then he won a national championship as a true freshman to kick-start a record-setting career at Clemson. He struggled as a rookie, throwing a league-leading 17 interceptions while getting little help from his offensive line and wide receivers, but he’s still the same elite prospect that was considered one of the best to enter the league since Andrew Luck. With 11 draft picks, including No. 1 overall, plus nearly $60 million in salary cap space, the Jaguars have the resources to get Lawrence the help he needs to succeed. Not to mention, replacing Urban Meyer with former Super Bowl champion Doug Pederson might be the biggest head coaching upgrade of the offseason.
— Reason for skepticism: A porous defense. The Jags’ unit finished 31st in Football Outsiders’ DVOA rankings, ahead of only the New York Jets. Outside of edge rusher Josh Allen and cornerbacks Shaquill Griffin and Tyson Campbell, there aren’t many building blocks here. The Bengals brought in seven new starters in 2021 to help fix one of the league’s worst defenses. Jacksonville might need a similar overhaul to compete for a playoff spot in 2022.
— 2021 record, finish: 3-14, last in AFC South
— Super Bowl 57 odds: 125-to-1 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
— Reason for optimism: Quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The 2021 No. 1 overall pick has been a star since high school, when he was the top-ranked recruit in the country. Then he won a national championship as a true freshman to kick-start a record-setting career at Clemson. He struggled as a rookie, throwing a league-leading 17 interceptions while getting little help from his offensive line and wide receivers, but he’s still the same elite prospect that was considered one of the best to enter the league since Andrew Luck. With 11 draft picks, including No. 1 overall, plus nearly $60 million in salary cap space, the Jaguars have the resources to get Lawrence the help he needs to succeed. Not to mention, replacing Urban Meyer with former Super Bowl champion Doug Pederson might be the biggest head coaching upgrade of the offseason.
— Reason for skepticism: A porous defense. The Jags’ unit finished 31st in Football Outsiders’ DVOA rankings, ahead of only the New York Jets. Outside of edge rusher Josh Allen and cornerbacks Shaquill Griffin and Tyson Campbell, there aren’t many building blocks here. The Bengals brought in seven new starters in 2021 to help fix one of the league’s worst defenses. Jacksonville might need a similar overhaul to compete for a playoff spot in 2022.
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Bruce Kluckhohn
— 2021 record, finish: 6-11, third in NFC North
— Super Bowl 57 odds: 80-to-1
— Reason for optimism: A new approach. After firing coach Matt Nagy and general manager Ryan Pace, the Bears hired Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus and longtime Kansas City Chiefs executive Ryan Poles to lead the franchise. Eberflus brought in Green Bay Packers passing game coordinator Luke Getsy, who made it clear he wants to build his offense around young quarterback Justin Fields’ strengths. If Getsy can unlock the former Ohio State star’s dual-threat abilities, something Nagy never figured out during his tenure, the Bears’ offense should be much better than the unit that finished 26th in DVOA last season.
— Reason for skepticism: Too many holes to fill. The Bears enter the offseason with their top wide receiver (Allen Robinson), top defensive lineman (Akiem Hicks) and two of their starting offensive linemen (left tackle Jason Peters and right guard James Daniels) set to hit free agency. Rebuilding through the draft will be difficult, with Chicago owning just two top-100 picks (Nos. 39 and 71) after trading up to select Fields at No. 11 overall last year. It’s going to be difficult for the Bears to restock their receiver corps and upgrade their offensive line in one offseason, not to mention fix a defense that took a big step backward in 2021.
Bruce Kluckhohn
— 2021 record, finish: 6-11, third in NFC North
— Super Bowl 57 odds: 80-to-1
— Reason for optimism: A new approach. After firing coach Matt Nagy and general manager Ryan Pace, the Bears hired Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus and longtime Kansas City Chiefs executive Ryan Poles to lead the franchise. Eberflus brought in Green Bay Packers passing game coordinator Luke Getsy, who made it clear he wants to build his offense around young quarterback Justin Fields’ strengths. If Getsy can unlock the former Ohio State star’s dual-threat abilities, something Nagy never figured out during his tenure, the Bears’ offense should be much better than the unit that finished 26th in DVOA last season.
— Reason for skepticism: Too many holes to fill. The Bears enter the offseason with their top wide receiver (Allen Robinson), top defensive lineman (Akiem Hicks) and two of their starting offensive linemen (left tackle Jason Peters and right guard James Daniels) set to hit free agency. Rebuilding through the draft will be difficult, with Chicago owning just two top-100 picks (Nos. 39 and 71) after trading up to select Fields at No. 11 overall last year. It’s going to be difficult for the Bears to restock their receiver corps and upgrade their offensive line in one offseason, not to mention fix a defense that took a big step backward in 2021.
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Bill Kostroun
— 2021 record, finish: 7-10, third in NFC East
— Super Bowl 57 odds: 60-to-1
— Reason for optimism: A solid roster. Defensive end Chase Young and wide receiver Terry McLaurin are the headliners, but there’s plenty of talent on this team. Jonathan Allen is one of the best interior defenders in the league, cornerback Kendall Fuller is coming off a Pro Bowl-worthy season and rookie Samuel Cosmi looked like a cornerstone piece at right tackle. Speedy wide receiver Curtis Samuel is set to return after missing nearly the entire 2021 season, adding a crucial big-play threat on offense. A young, deep offensive line played much better than expected, too, though it could lose Pro Bowl guard Brandon Scherff in free agency.
— Reason for skepticism: Uncertainty at quarterback. A one-year deal for veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick provided just 16 snaps, while Taylor Heinicke’s extended audition as the starter ended in disappointment. If Washington makes a big play for a veteran like Jimmy Garoppolo, Derek Carr or even Russell Wilson, it could contend in a watered-down NFC. There’s also a chance that a quarterback the Commanders decide to pick in the first round — Malik Willis, Kenny Pickett, Sam Howell or Matt Corral — turns into an overnight sensation.
Bill Kostroun
— 2021 record, finish: 7-10, third in NFC East
— Super Bowl 57 odds: 60-to-1
— Reason for optimism: A solid roster. Defensive end Chase Young and wide receiver Terry McLaurin are the headliners, but there’s plenty of talent on this team. Jonathan Allen is one of the best interior defenders in the league, cornerback Kendall Fuller is coming off a Pro Bowl-worthy season and rookie Samuel Cosmi looked like a cornerstone piece at right tackle. Speedy wide receiver Curtis Samuel is set to return after missing nearly the entire 2021 season, adding a crucial big-play threat on offense. A young, deep offensive line played much better than expected, too, though it could lose Pro Bowl guard Brandon Scherff in free agency.
— Reason for skepticism: Uncertainty at quarterback. A one-year deal for veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick provided just 16 snaps, while Taylor Heinicke’s extended audition as the starter ended in disappointment. If Washington makes a big play for a veteran like Jimmy Garoppolo, Derek Carr or even Russell Wilson, it could contend in a watered-down NFC. There’s also a chance that a quarterback the Commanders decide to pick in the first round — Malik Willis, Kenny Pickett, Sam Howell or Matt Corral — turns into an overnight sensation.
Paul Sullivan: With Aaron Rodgers and Phil Mickelson around, we could all use a break from the world of sports
Bill Kostroun
— 2021 record, finish: 4-13, last in NFC East
— Super Bowl 57 odds: 100-to-1
— Reason for optimism: Brian Daboll. The new Giants coach worked wonders with Josh Allen as the offensive coordinator in Buffalo, helping turn the raw, inaccurate passer into one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Daniel Jones isn’t as talented as Allen, but the former No. 6 overall pick has shown enough potential in his first two seasons that a mini-leap under Daboll isn’t inconceivable. With star running back Saquon Barkley another year removed from a torn ACL and wide receivers Kenny Golladay and Kadarius Toney returning — plus whoever the Giants add with the No. 5 and No. 7 overall picks — there should be enough talent here for Jones and Daboll to work with.
— Reason for skepticism: The offensive line. Burrow proved he could overcome poor protection and still lead the Bengals to the Super Bowl, but Jones has never shown the same level of pocket awareness or field vision as the 2019 Heisman Trophy winner. For Jones to have any chance of improving, the Giants need to get better in the trenches, particularly on the interior. New York’s offensive line ended the 2021 season ranked 30th by Pro Football Focus, ahead of only the Carolina Panthers and Miami Dolphins.
Bill Kostroun
— 2021 record, finish: 4-13, last in NFC East
— Super Bowl 57 odds: 100-to-1
— Reason for optimism: Brian Daboll. The new Giants coach worked wonders with Josh Allen as the offensive coordinator in Buffalo, helping turn the raw, inaccurate passer into one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Daniel Jones isn’t as talented as Allen, but the former No. 6 overall pick has shown enough potential in his first two seasons that a mini-leap under Daboll isn’t inconceivable. With star running back Saquon Barkley another year removed from a torn ACL and wide receivers Kenny Golladay and Kadarius Toney returning — plus whoever the Giants add with the No. 5 and No. 7 overall picks — there should be enough talent here for Jones and Daboll to work with.
— Reason for skepticism: The offensive line. Burrow proved he could overcome poor protection and still lead the Bengals to the Super Bowl, but Jones has never shown the same level of pocket awareness or field vision as the 2019 Heisman Trophy winner. For Jones to have any chance of improving, the Giants need to get better in the trenches, particularly on the interior. New York’s offensive line ended the 2021 season ranked 30th by Pro Football Focus, ahead of only the Carolina Panthers and Miami Dolphins.
Paul Sullivan: With Aaron Rodgers and Phil Mickelson around, we could all use a break from the world of sports
Joshua Bessex
— 2021 record, finish: 4-13, last in AFC East
— Super Bowl 57 odds: 200-to-1
— Reason for optimism: A healthier roster. Defensive end Carl Lawson missed the entire 2021 season with a torn Achilles tendon, wide receiver Corey Davis missed eight games with a groin injury and rookie wide receiver Elijah Moore, a second-round pick, missed five games with a quad injury. Left tackle Mekhi Becton, the 11th overall pick in 2020, played just 48 snaps before suffering a season-ending knee injury. If all four can stay healthy in 2022, that would make a huge difference for a roster in desperate need of playmakers.
— Reason for skepticism: Zach Wilson. The No. 2 overall pick entered the league with plenty of hype after a breakout season at BYU, but he failed to meet expectations as a rookie. Wilson ranked 34th of 37 qualifying quarterbacks in PFF grading and, according to RBSDM.com, was by far the worst among 31 quarterbacks who played a minimum of 300 snaps in expected points added per play, a measure of efficiency that accounts for situational factors such as down, distance and field position. After such a disappointing first season, it’s hard to envision a Burrow-like leap for the Jets’ franchise quarterback.
Joshua Bessex
— 2021 record, finish: 4-13, last in AFC East
— Super Bowl 57 odds: 200-to-1
— Reason for optimism: A healthier roster. Defensive end Carl Lawson missed the entire 2021 season with a torn Achilles tendon, wide receiver Corey Davis missed eight games with a groin injury and rookie wide receiver Elijah Moore, a second-round pick, missed five games with a quad injury. Left tackle Mekhi Becton, the 11th overall pick in 2020, played just 48 snaps before suffering a season-ending knee injury. If all four can stay healthy in 2022, that would make a huge difference for a roster in desperate need of playmakers.
— Reason for skepticism: Zach Wilson. The No. 2 overall pick entered the league with plenty of hype after a breakout season at BYU, but he failed to meet expectations as a rookie. Wilson ranked 34th of 37 qualifying quarterbacks in PFF grading and, according to RBSDM.com, was by far the worst among 31 quarterbacks who played a minimum of 300 snaps in expected points added per play, a measure of efficiency that accounts for situational factors such as down, distance and field position. After such a disappointing first season, it’s hard to envision a Burrow-like leap for the Jets’ franchise quarterback.
Commanders owner Dan Snyder testifies before House committee
Patrick Semansky
FILE - Washington Commanders' Dan Snyder poses for photos during an event to unveil the NFL football team's new identity, Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022, in Landover, Md. Snyder is set to testify later Thursday morning, July 28, before a congressional committee that is investigating the NFL team’s history of workplace misconduct. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)
Patrick Semansky
FILE - Washington Commanders' Dan Snyder poses for photos during an event to unveil the NFL football team's new identity, Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022, in Landover, Md. Snyder is set to testify later Thursday morning, July 28, before a congressional committee that is investigating the NFL team’s history of workplace misconduct. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)
