Dan Snyder's controversies: Ranking the 5 most embarrassing scandals that will forever taint Washington Commanders owner

Dan Snyder bought the Washington Commanders in 1999. Since then, he has found himself in the middle of many controversies, all self-inflicted, of course. Recently, the Washington Post reported that the Commanders are losing their fan base, with just about 15% of the community stating that they are fans of the team.

The owner will probably be selling the NFL franchise in just a few weeks, in order to avoid being ousted. Ahead of this, let's take a look back at some of the most embarrassing scandals that the Commanders and its owner have been a part of.

5 times Dan Snyder embarrassed himself and the Washington Commanders

#1 Refusal to change the team name

For many years, Snyder refused to listen to critics who said the name Washington Redskins was offensive. As other teams throughout professional sports changed their names to avoid offending Native Americans, Washington refused to change their ways.

That was until 2020, when some of the team's biggest sponsors, FedEx and Nike strongly encouraged the name change. The team was simply known as "The Washington Football Team" for two seasons while deciding on a name. In 2022, they were officially given the Washington Commanders moniker.

#2 Sexual harrassment allegations

One of the most serious accusations made against Snyder and the Commanders organization was allegations of sexual harassment. According to former employees of the franchise, the owner allowed his employees to work in toxic environment. He was accused of inappropriate behavior, as well. Several employees in the team's front office were fired due to the allegations.

#3 Interference with NFL investigation into allegations

After allegations were made against Dan Snyder and the team for sexual harassment and lewd video recordings of cheerleaders, an investigation by the league ensued. Late in 2020, it was discovered that Snyder had interfered with the investigation. The league fined him $10 million after the investigation was completed for his handling of the toxic workplace culture.

#4 Finacial ambiguities

The House Oversight Committee also opened an investigation into the team's allegations from the former female employees. During that investigation, the committee and the NFL discovered that the organization was keeping two sets of financial records. One was submitted to the NFL for revenue review. Meanwhile, the other displayed the actual revenue that the team had accrued. A move like this would essentially allow the team to pay less in taxes as it appeared that they had less ticket revenue.

#5 To sell or not to sell

Pressure to sell the team grew as the details of all of the allegations against the owner and team became public. In 2021, after the NFL handed down the fine, it was announced that his wife Tanya would take over and control the Commanders organization. She attended NFL owners meetings and represented the team as needed.

But Snyder continued to say that he wouldn't sell the team. That was until the fall of 2022 after several team owners, including Jim Irsay of the Indianapolis Colts, said that he would vote in favor of ousting him as a team owner. Quietly, the Snyders hired a firm to represent them and any future transactions, and the process of selling the team began.