ESPN: Washington Commanders Dan Snyder claims ‘dirt’ he’s gathered on owners could ‘blow up’ NFL

WASHINGTON - Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder says he has accumulated so much "dirt" on fellow NFL league owners that a leak could "blow up" top league executives and even the NFL commissioner.

This is according to a report published by ESPN describing Snyder's fight to hold onto the franchise. The Commanders have since responded to the claims in the ESPN article.

According to the report, several owners say Snyder's threats are a tactic intended to scare them from voting to remove him as he faces lawsuits and investigations on multiple fronts.

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - FEBRUARY 02: Team co-owners Dan and Tanya Snyder pose for a photo with former team members during the announcement of the Washington Football Team's name change to the Washington Commanders at FedExField on February 02, 2022 in L

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In 2021, a congressional committee launched an investigation into Snyder after the league fined Washington $10 million following its review into the team's history of workplace misconduct. Snyder has also faced accusations of sexual harassment. Over the summer, Snyder testified remotely before the committee.

The report says Snyder has told close associates that over his career as owner he has compiled detailed records and damaging information on team owners, and league office executives - including Goodell – through private investigators and other sources.

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The article says an associate who has met with Snyder says the owner has become "paranoid" about executives and former employees opening up to investigators and reporters. The reports says one owner described Snyder as "behaving like a mad dog cornered."

ESPN says the Commanders have denied the claims that Snyder has collected private information or dossiers on league owners and executives. "Owners have a shared love of the game, mutual respect for each other and our organizations, and a strong working relationship," a team spokesperson told ESPN.