Rachel Lerner
Mon, 11/28/2022
On November 10, 2022, District of Columbia Attorney General Karl Racine filed a lawsuit against Dan Snyder (owner of the Washington Commanders), the National Football League (NFL), and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, alleging violations of the D.C. Consumer Protection Procedures Act (CPPA). The CPPA establishes a right to truthful information about consumer goods and services in the District of Columbia and prohibits unfair and deceptive trade practices in connection with the sale of such goods and services. According to Racine, the defendants colluded to deceive Commanders fans about an investigation into toxic workplace culture to increase profits.
In 2020, public reporting from the Washington Post revealed sexual assault and workplace abuse allegations that permeated the Washington Commanders’ executive suite, with Dan Snyder participating in and perpetuating the toxic culture. Even though Snyder denied the allegations, the Commanders launched an internal investigation. However, in response to concerns from fans about the Commanders overseeing an investigation into themselves, the NFL soon took over the investigation, with public support from Snyder.
According to Racine, even though the public was promised a thorough and unbiased independent investigation, Snyder and the NFL worked together to undermine this promise. In the complaint, Racine alleges that the NFL and the Commanders entered into an agreement giving Snyder the ability to block the release of any information from the investigation. Further, Snyder attempted to hinder the investigation by preventing witnesses from speaking with the investigator, sending private investigators to witnesses homes to intimidate them and offering money to former employees who had previously settled claims against him. In July 2021, the NFL announced the results of the investigation, including a $10 million fine against the team, but did not provide any details.
According to Racine, the actions of Snyder, Goodell, and the NFL contradict their public commitments to the investigation and undermine fans’ confidence in the investigation’s outcome. Based on these actions, Racine alleges two violations of the CPPA. Racine first alleges that the defendants violated the CPPA by making misrepresentations related to the investigation and failing to disclose material information about the investigation to the public. Second, Racine alleges that the defendants violated the CPPA by misleading the public as to their knowledge about Snyder’s participation in creating the toxic work environment. Racine is seeking financial penalties and a court order forcing the NFL to release the full findings of the investigation. The Commanders have vowed to fight the lawsuit.
Racine filed a second lawsuit against the Commanders on November 17, 2022, accusing the team of additional CPPA violations. According to this second lawsuit, the team failed to return security deposits to season ticket holders, violating the law because it misrepresented the requirements for return of the deposits. The Commanders deny the allegations.
