A former employee claimed financial irregularities by the Washington CommandersShould be allowed to amend his statements, or face an investigation of the Department of Justice for false statements. This was the request of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform’s ranking Republican.
Rep. James Comer (Republican from Kentucky) questioned Jason Friedman’s credibility. He told the committee that Washington had, among other things moved money around to circumvent the NFL’s revenue sharing program and made it difficult for customers to receive security deposits. Based on the team’s response, Comer refuted these charges.
Comer wrote that it was a crime to knowingly or willfully make any materially falsified, fictitious or fraudulent representation or statement to Congress, including to congressional staff.
Comer wrote a two-page letter to Rep. Carolyn Maloney D-N.Y. reiterating Republican’s position on the Washington franchise investigation. Comer, the Oversight Committee’s ranking minority member, claimed that the allegations of the whistleblower were evidence of the Oversight Committee’s “one-sided approach” to the investigation.
Lisa Banks, Friedman’s attorney, stated in a statement that he stands by the testimony he gave to Congress. It was based on actions he had taken on behalf of his team and supported by contemporaneous documents. He was attacked professionally and personally by the team, and now by a member.
“Unfortunately, Mr. Friedman is contractually unable for him to defend himself publicly. However, he stands ready and able answer any questions the government, including Representative Comer about his experiences or actions in support of the Washington Commanders.
Since late October, Congress has been looking into the culture of the team’s employees. This follows an NFL investigation that concluded July 1 with a $10million fine. Republicans have maintained from the beginning that Congress should not investigate a private company.
Friedman, who was part of the investigation, spoke out to Congress on March 14 regarding the alleged financial irregularities. Friedman spent 24 years at the Washington franchise as vice president of customer service and sales. In October 2020, he was fired for poor job performance and contributing to a toxic work environment.
Friedman also confirmed allegations that Tiffani Johnsonston, an ex-employe, made during a February 3 roundtable session with committee members. Friedman stated that she witnessed Dan Snyder putting his hand on Tiffani’s leg at dinner, and then trying to force her to get into his limousine.
Sources claimed that Comer’s representatives and other Republicans were present at Friedman’s initial interview.
The Oversight Committee asked the Federal Trade Commission to investigate Friedman’s claims in a letter sent to them on April 12. On Monday, the Commanders responded to Friedman’s claims by sending a letter to the FTC. The Commanders also provided signed affidavits from four ex-high-ranking club officials.
Washington’s letter contained emails that, according to the team, refute Friedman’s claims. The team pointed out that Washington did not work in finance or accounting and therefore would not be fully knowledgeable about financial issues.
“The Team’s letter addressed to the FTC raises serious questions about Mr. Friedman’s statements. Comer wrote that you did not vet Friedman’s claims but instead repeated them publicly.
Comer stated that Friedman should be allowed to amend any of his statements during another interview session. Oder, Comer suggested that Friedman be “referred” to the Department of Justice to investigate the veracity of Friedman’s statements to Congress.