Ahead of his testimony before the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released prepared remarks that he will read before answering questions. In that prepared statement, Commissioner Goodell referred to the Washington Commanders’ workplace environment as “toxic for far too long.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter was among the many who shared Commissioner Goodell’s opening statement on social media Wednesday morning:
Roger Goodell’s six-page opening statement that he will make to the House Oversight Committee later this morning: pic.twitter.com/Cmh6WJ1FnS
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 22, 2022
Commissioner Goodell further outlined the findings of the league’s investigation into Washington’s workplace environment, conducted by D.C. area attorney Beth Wilkinson:
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.
Commissioner Goodell also addressed Washington owner Daniel Snyder:
In addition, for the past year, Daniel Snyder has not attended League or committee meetings, and to the best of my knowledge, has not been involved in day-to-day operations at the Commanders…To be clear — the workplace at the Commanders today bears no resemblance to the workplace that has been described to this committee.
Commissioner Goodell will answer questions from the Committee during Wednesday’s hearing. Snyder, who was invited to offer testimony, declined, citing an overseas trip.
