In his prepared remarks for the House Committee on Oversight and Reform on Wednesday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says the Washington Commanders’ workplace culture has undergone a “substantial transformation” since the NFL-sponsored investigation, led by attorney Beth Wilkinson, into the team.
“It is clear to me that the workplace in Washington was unprofessional and unacceptable in numerous respects: bullying, widespread disrespect toward colleagues, use of demeaning language, public embarrassment, and harassment,” Goodell’s prepared remarks read, in part. “Moreover, for a prolonged period of time the Commanders had a woefully deficient HR function, particularly with respect to reporting practices and recordkeeping.”
Goodell is scheduled to testify as the hearing’s lone witness Wednesday, speaking to lawmakers via Zoom. In his written remarks released ahead of the hearing, he noted the $10 million fine the league levied against the Commanders in the wake of Wilkinson’s investigation and added that, to the best of his knowledge, owner Daniel Snyder “has not been involved in day-to-day operations” of the team for the past year.
“To be clear — the workplace at the Commanders today bears no resemblance to the workplace that has been described to this committee,” Goodell said.
Goodell’s prepared remarks say the NFL will share the results of attorney Mary Jo White’s investigation of a sexual harassment claim against Snyder, which was raised during a Feb. 3 congressional roundtable, when it is completed, and that the league “will take additional disciplinary action if warranted.”
“I have been and remain committed to ensuring that all employees of the NFL and the 32 clubs work in a professional and supportive environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, or other forms of illegal or unprofessional conduct,” Goodell’s remarks read.