ASHBURN (Va.) — Virginia’s Attorney General will launch an investigation into claims that the Washington CommandersAccording to Monday’s letter, it sent the franchise a letter confirming that it was involved in financial improprieties.
After the April 12th, House Oversight and Reform Committee had sent a letter about financial improprieties to the Federal Trade Commission. This letter was also sent by the House Oversight and Reform Committee to the Federal Trade Commission on April 12.
Miyares stated to the team that he believed it was his responsibility to examine the material facts “after it was brought to my notice.”
Miyares asked for “full cooperation” and transparency during their inquiry in a letter to Jordan Sieve, Washington’s attorney.
Miyares wrote, “I haven’t prejudged the problems.”
Stephen Popps, Deputy Attorney General for Civil Division will lead the investigation. The Consumer Protection section of the Civil Division will be the focus, but the findings could lead to an expansion of the investigation to the Criminal Division.
Jason Friedman (an ex-vail president of sales and customer services) was a Washington employee who made the allegations in an interview on March 14. Friedman, who was fired in October 2020 after spending 24 years with the team, exchanged email addresses with former officials.
Friedman claimed that the team withheld security deposits from season ticket holders, or made them difficult to get; and kept two accounting books, allowing the team to keep money that would have been earmarked to the NFL’s income sharing pool.
The FTC was also sent a 105-page response by the team, which rebutted the claims. They also included emails that they claimed proved they accurately accounted for revenue.
Friedman was also described by the team as a disgruntled ex-employee. He would not have been in accounting or finance meetings, and therefore would not have full knowledge of financial matters.
Washington’s workplace culture continues to be investigated by Congress. Tiffani Johnston, a former Washington employee claimed Dan Snyder placed his hand on her left leg at a dinner and then tried to force it into his limousine. Friedman verified the claim.
Johnston’s claim is also under investigation by the NFL. Beth Wilkinson, Beth’s attorney, did not interview her during the initial investigation of the NFL that ended in a $10million fine.