NEW YORK -- Roger Goodell, the NFL commissioner, doubled down Tuesday on his league's decision to not make public its findings of an investigation into Washington Football Team's workplace culture. He said that the league could not afford to reveal the identities of those who assisted with the investigation because it was too important.
After six hours of meetings between NFL owners in Manhattan, Goodell stated that "We are very conscious of making certain we're protecting those people who came forward." "That was a very important priority."
In recent weeks, the investigation came under renewed scrutiny after emails discovered during the investigation were made public. This led to Jon Gruden, the coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, being forced to resign. Gruden used sexist, anti-gay, and misogynistic language in those emails. The league has condemned this. The league has rejected calls to release additional emails.
Two former employees of Washington Football Team came to the hotel to meet the owners. They brought copies of a letter that they had sent to the league, asking for the public release of the findings of the investigation. Two former employees specifically mentioned Daniel Snyder, Washington team owner, as they were unable to attend team activities over the past few months due to the investigation. Goodell said that Snyder was not included in the letter. Snyder's wife Tanya, who was a co-CEO for the franchise, took over the daily operations and the team was fined $10,000,000 in the aftermath of the investigation.
Goodell stated that Daniel Snyder was held responsible. "More important, there were steps taken to ensure it doesn't happen again."
Goodell stated that the league is looking forward to cooperating in a congressional inquiry into their investigation. Last week, two members of the House oversight panel wrote to the league to inform them that they are seeking additional information about the investigation into workplace misconduct involving the Washington Football Team.
