Over the past few years, Washington Commanders team owner Dan Snyder has been investigated by the NFL for a number of allegations including claims of sexism and misogyny throughout the organization. And it seems that Snyder had a pretty wild response to that investigation: blackmail.
According to a recent article by ESPN, Dan Snyder and his lawyers put together an PowerPoint presentation intended to blackmail top league executives.
“When Snyder’s lawyers — famed defense attorney Joe Tacopina, assisted by Reed Smith partners Siev and James McCarroll — began to show a series of slides, those in the room were stunned, according to sources. What was presented was not a defense against any of Wilkinson’s findings made against Snyder; it was a series of screenshots of potentially embarrassing emails and texts from several top league executives, including Goodell’s top lieutenant, Pash,” the ESPN article explained.
“The rationale, according to a source with firsthand knowledge, was to argue the hypocrisy of league officials judging Snyder. The tactics were so ruthless that some attorneys felt uncomfortable. Although none of the content was sexist, anti-gay or graphic, the signal was clear: If Goodell didn’t do what Snyder wanted in terms of handling the Wilkinson report and punishment, these emails and texts would be leaked.”
The article reports that it became known in league circles as the “Blackmail PowerPoint.”
It’s a pretty bold and shocking move from Snyder.
[ESPN]
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