Stephen A. Smith asks Roger Goodell, the NFL commissioner, to fix the culture surrounding the Washington Football Team. (2:24).
According to emails gathered during the NFL's workplace misconduct investigation into the Washington franchise, Jeff Pash, NFL general counsel, and Bruce Allen, former Washington Football Team executive, had a close relationship. The New York Times and Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday evening.
This correspondence was among 650,000 emails that were collected during the investigation by the NFL.
After a series of emails, Jon Gruden resigned as Las Vegas Raiders coach. Reports from the Journal and Times revealed that he used anti-gay and misogynistic language and made a racist comment about DeMaurice Smith, executive director of the NFL Players Association. Gruden was at that time an ESPN analyst and sent the emails over a seven year period.
The NFLPA stated earlier this week that it would request the NFL to release any remaining 650,000 emails that were reviewed in the course of its investigation.
Emails between Pash, Allen show Pash reassuring Allen about controversies involving Washington franchise. They also discuss league issues and other topics including politics.
According to the New York Times, Pash told Allen in an email exchange that his franchise wouldn't have to pay $15,000 for manipulating their injury reports. Allen appealed initially to have the fine canceled. However, Pash wrote to Allen to say that the fine was not mandatory and that they could pay "any other amount" in the future.
According to the Times, Allen also contacted Pash in another exchange after Washington franchise was accused of sexual harassment. Allen was informed by Pash that he knew that Allen was involved in the matter and that he would not condone anything untoward.
Gruden and Allen, along with other men, sent emails that included photos of women in bikini bottoms and one photo of Washington team cheerleaders.
According to reports, Allen also complained to Pash in 2016, when Jocelyn Moore (Black) was hired as the NFL's top-ranking lobbyist. She had previously worked for several Democratic senators.
"Curious, is there a rule against the hiring of Libertarians, Independents, or Republicans?" Allen sent the email to Pash, who replied that Pash could not answer his question. However, it might sometimes appear like this!
Allen mentioned the NFL's requirement that teams interview minorities for general managers and head coaches. His response was: "We have Rooney rule ....." At the next meeting, I will propose the Lincoln Rule.
Through Jeff Miller, the NFL's executive vice president for communications, the NFL denied Thursday that there had been any wrongdoing with the emails between Pash, Allen, and who was fired by the Washington franchise as team president in 2019.
Miller stated that "communication between club executives and league office employees occurs every day." This statement was sent to the Times and Journal. "Jeff Pash, an NFL executive with high character and respect, is highly respected. These emails are inappropriate and misleading if they are presented in this way.
In July, the NFL concluded its investigation into Washington's workplace culture and fined the franchise $10 million. Tanya Snyder was also named co-CEO of the team in June. She took over all day-to-day franchise duties from Dan. All senior executives, which included the Snyders, were required to participate in workplace conduct training.
Attorney Beth Wilkinson conducted the investigation that began in 2020. League officials confirmed to the Journal that Pash was sought counsel in the investigation.
