Adam Schefter and Kimberley Martin react to the NFL's $10M fine for Washington Football Team after an investigation into their workplace culture. (2:21).ASHBURN (Va.) -- The NFL revealed Thursday that Dan Snyder had created a toxic workplace culture in his 20-year tenure as owner of the Washington Football Team. Attorney Beth Wilkinson, who conducted an independent investigation and interviewed more than 150 former and current employees, described it as toxic. This should not be surprising. This was not about sexual harassment. Many employees, male and female, described Washington's culture of fear as a place they were afraid to be.It is up for debate whether Thursday's NFL fine of $10 million was sufficient. Multiple league sources have stated that Snyder was not likely to be sold despite the fact that there had been a Washington Post report last July detailing allegations of sexual harassment. Many wondered if Snyder would be suspended.It's not a surprise that others were charged with sexual harassment and fired. But the culture of a team begins at the top. This is Snyder. This all comes down to how you treat your employees, what you listen to, and who you hire."I learned a lot over the past months about the way my club operated and the type of workplace we had. Although it is obvious that the culture was not as it should have been, I didn't realize the extent of the problems or my responsibility in allowing the culture to continue. As the owner, I have ultimate responsibility for the workplace. Dan Snyder released a statement.Washington is currently 149-202-1 and has two postseason wins in 22 years under Dan Snyder. Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon SportswireLawyers representing 40 ex-Washington employees criticised the NFL's decision to shield Snyder and ignore requests to make the report public. They called the fine "pocket money"Lawyers Lisa Banks, and Debra Katz released a statement saying that Snyder's behavior was "outlandish" and a insult to hundreds of former employees and women who spoke out in good faith to report the culture of abuse at all levels."The NFL effectively told survivors around the globe that it doesn't care about them and does not credit their experiences."This fine is higher than others. Jerry Richardson, former owner of the Carolina Panthers, was fined $2.75million for sexual harassment. However, it was announced after Richardson had sold the team. No one else in the NFL has been penalized more than $1million. According to ESPN Stats & Information, the Denver Broncos were penalized twice for salary-cap violations (2001 and 2004). The New Orleans Saints were also docked $500,000 because they set up a bounty program for 2012. In addition, the San Francisco 49ers were fined $500,000 after violating the league’s corporate ownership policy for 1990.Nominated NFL stars for ESPYS. There are many nominees for the 2021 edition of the ESPYS. Vote today. Men's Sports: Best AthleteTom Brady wins the Best NFL Player awardDonald, Henry, Rodgers or Brady? Best TeamCan Tampa Bay win the title? Best PlayMurray and Metcalf are the Best Breakthrough AthleteHerbert and Young are among the nominees for Best GameKeep an eye out for the RavensAccording to the league, the money will be used to "support organizations committed to character education and anti-bullying as well as healthy relationships" according to Thursday's announcement.Tanya Snyder, the co-owner of the team, was also named co-CEO. She will continue to oversee the franchise's day-to-day operations and be present at league functions over the next few months. This team and organization will be stronger if Dan Synder is not involved in their day-to-day operations. He can concentrate on building a stadium and finding the site. He will undoubtedly be involved in the selection of a new nickname for the team.Snyder will have to change the way he conducts business. Many of his former employees from the front office and business operations are skeptical that he will ever change. They might be right. Maybe the league was only trying to show how much they have changed by making the changes. They will be criticized by some as disingenuous. They were made because they were needed and have the potential to work. All of this is a net plus.Snyder's close friends had suggested the changes implemented over the last year, namely the emphasis on diversity in staff hiring. These suggestions were not implemented. They were in the last year. This is a good thing. Former employees felt that more voices were needed, whether they be from Ashburn, Virginia or other parts of the country. This is now possible.It is not like Snyder didn't hire good people in the past. The previous regime had many. They didn't have the power or the loudest voice, that was up to Snyder. He wasn't as embarrassed as this. It's one thing for a team to lose games. The franchise is currently at 149-202-1 and has won two postseason games in 22 years of Snyder. It's quite another to lose your dignity and have toxic issues made public.It is a great opportunity for all who are part of the team, starting at team president Jason Wright, and ending with coach Ron Rivera to make their voices heard. They possess what the past has lacked: real power. A good owner knows that he will be closely watched.This has resulted in a workplace with a better chance of success and a team that may be even more successful. When deciding punishment, the NFL considered Wright and Rivera's presence.Lisa Friel, special counsel for NFL investigations, stated that "these are the people who need to lead by example and also create an environment that's comfortable" for all. It all started, I'd say. The Coach Rivera appointment has been the catalyst for change. Both from Beth's reporting and speaking with people there, I know that Jason was the head coach. This gave people a new perspective on the future culture. Jason Wright is an incredible man, with a lot of integrity and quality. We already know that he has done many things there.She referred to Wright's encouragement to employees to cooperate in the investigation. Wright said he was not afraid of the results because he had no control over what would happen in the future. Wright was hired in August 2020 so the issues are well before him and most of his current employees.Washington won Super Bowls under Jack Kent Cooke. He hired the right people, good people, and listened to them.Snyder will follow this blueprint if he wants to make this a positive.Skeptics will continue to exist. It is not clear how long Snyder's changes will last. It can last for a while if the team builds off a 7-9 playoff year.Focus now on building the right culture. Snyder was not able to complete the task. It remains to be seen if this means closure for anyone. The organization can move on and close the chapter.
