Attorney General Schwalb Resolves Snyder-Era Lawsuit Against Washington Commanders

Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb today announced that Pro-Football LLC, the corporation that owns the Washington Commanders, will pay $1,000,000 to resolve allegations that under the team's former ownership, including Dan Snyder, it violated DC consumer protection law by misleading District residents about the team's investigation into a toxic and abusive workplace culture, including allegations of sexual assault, in order to protect the Commanders' brand and to keep fans paying for tickets and merchandise.

In a lawsuit filed in 2022, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) alleged that, under Snyder, the Commanders had worked to hide the truth about this internal investigation. The current owners bought the team in 2023, after OAG's lawsuit was filed, and promptly implemented internal reforms to protect employees-including strengthening the team's human resources department, anti-harassment policy, and investigation protocol for complaints of misconduct.

"The Commanders' current owners have commendably opened a new chapter in the team's history, committing to ensure all employees are protected from abuse and treated with dignity," said Attorney General Schwalb. "Every business operating in the District has an obligation to provide honest information to its customers, and the Commanders' loyal fanbase deserves no less. I want to thank the victims for coming forward to tell their stories - without their bravery, none of this would have come to light."

OAG enforces the District's Consumer Protection Procedures Act, which prohibits a broad range of deceptive and unfair business practices, including misleading consumers by making misrepresentations and failing to disclose important information about products or services. In its 2022 lawsuit, OAG alleged that, to maintain the Commanders' fanbase and increase profits, Daniel Snyder and his leadership deceived customers about an investigation into a workplace culture that condoned sexual harassment and assault. In a separate action in 2023, the NFL fined Snyder $60 million after its own investigation concluded that Snyder personally engaged in multiple forms of misconduct, including sexual harassment.

Once current ownership acquired the team, they repeatedly and publicly committed to changing the culture, and followed up by implementing internal reforms. Under today's settlement agreement, the Commanders will:

• Pay $1,000,000 to the District.

• Continue to maintain a human resources department, an anti-harassment policy, and an investigation protocol for complaints of misconduct.

A copy of the settlement agreement is available here.

This matter was handled by Assistant Attorneys General Andrew Mendrala, Samantha Miyahara Hall, Jess Feinberg, and former Assistant Attorney General Tony Towns under the supervision of Civil Rights and Elder Justice Section Chief Alicia Lendon.

How to Report Unfair Business Practices

OAG protects DC residents from fraud, exploitation, and unfair business practices by investigating and mediating consumer complaints, educating residents about their rights, and taking legal action against businesses and individuals that harm residents and break the law. Since January 2023, OAG has obtained nearly $80 million through enforcement actions and settlements on behalf of DC consumers.

To report scams, fraud, or unfair business practices, contact OAG's Office of Consumer Protection:

• Submit a complaint online at: oag.dc.gov/complaint
• Call the consumer protection hotline at (202) 442-9828
• Send a complaint via email to [email protected]

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