Washington, D.C.’s attorney general has filed a consumer protection lawsuit against the Washington Commanders and team owner Dan Snyder, along with the National Football League and its commissioner, Roger Goodell. The lawsuit laid out Thursday by Attorney General Karl Racine alleges that Snyder lied when he denied knowing about a hostile work environment and culture of sexual harassment at his franchise.
Attorney General Karl Racine: “In fact, the evidence shows Mr. Snyder was not only aware of the toxic culture within his organization, he encouraged it, and he participated in it. Mr. Snyder exerted a high level of personal control over everything the Commanders did. And his misconduct gave others permission to treat women in the same demeaning manner.”
The lawsuit alleges Snyder was joined by the NFL and its commissioner, Roger Goodell, in a campaign to mislead the public about what was being done to address harassment allegations. Prosecutors are seeking millions of dollars in penalties. Last year, the NFL levied a $10 million fine against the Washington Football Team after 15 women came forward with allegations of sexual harassment and verbal abuse.