Roger Goodell said, at a press conference from the owners meetings in New York onTuesday night, that he does not have any plans to release a report on the Washington Football Team’s reported workplace misconduct, but says that Washington owner Dan Snyder has been “held accountable.”
That questioning at the press conference came after former Washington Football Team employees delivered a letter, which was signed by 12 former employees, to the NFL’s Social Justice Working Group, in an attempt to make the findings of the league’s investigation into the team public.
The NFL decided against releasing the results of Beth Wilkinson’s investigation into Washington’s toxic workplace culture. Earlier this month, however, several emails from former Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden to former Washington Football Team president Bruce Allen were leaked and deemed offensive, costing Gruden his job.
The NFL fined the Washington Football Team $10 million and Dan Snyder ceded daily functions to his wife, Tanya Snyder.
“I do think he’s been held accountable for, I think the organization has been held accountable,” Goodell said.
“And I think we’ve given an unprecedented fine. Dan Snyder has not been involved with the franchise for now almost four months. We, obviously, have focused more on making sure that the policies that they had, many of which they put into place prior to this investigation, but also coming out of it, were put into place and that they will be maintained, and that we can ensure that that will happen at this organization.”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was asked if Dan Snyder has been held accountable for the findings of the investigation into the WFT’s workplace environment: pic.twitter.com/bz3fj9YVEs
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) October 26, 2021
Roger Goodell
Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy, sent a letter to National Football League (NFL) Commissioner Rodger Goodell requesting documents and information regarding the Washington Football Team’s (WFT) hostile workplace culture and NFL’s handling of this matter.
“The NFL has one of the most prominent platforms in America, and its decisions can have national implications,” the Chairs wrote. “The NFL’s lack of transparency about the problems it recently uncovered raise questions about the seriousness with which it has addressed bigotry, racism, sexism, and homophobia—setting troubling precedent for other workplaces. The Committee is seeking to fully understand this workplace conduct and the league’s response, which will help inform legislative efforts to address toxic work environments and workplace investigation processes; strengthen protections for women in the workplace; and address the use of non-disclosure agreements to prevent the disclosure of unlawful employment practices, including sexual harassment. We hope and trust that the NFL shares the Committee’s goal of protecting American workers from harassment and discrimination.”
On July 1, 2021, the NFL announced the outcome of the WFT investigation in a press release, which described vague and conclusory findings, including that “the workplace environment… particularly for women, was highly unprofessional,” that “[b]ullying and intimidation frequently took place,” and that “senior executives engaged in inappropriate conduct themselves.” The NFL did not disclose the full results of the investigation.
The Wall Street Journal recently reported the WFT probe raised issues beyond the scope of the underlying investigation. Leaked emails between WFT official Bruce Allen, former NFL coach Jon Gruden, and others obtained during the course of the NFL’s internal investigation exposed workplace cultures within the NFL filled with racism, misogyny, and homophobia. These emails also raised questions about the league’s impartiality in conducting internal investigations.
The Chairs have requested documents and information related to the investigations by November 4, 2021.
Per Metro:
As we continue to address the needs of our customers impacted by current service delays, Metro appreciate the public’s understanding of the need to put safety first.
While Metro aims to provide service consistent with the announced basic service plan through the rest of the week, customers should anticipate trains every 15-20 minutes on the Red Line and every 30-40 minutes on all other lines to account for any unplanned disruptions. Silver Line trains will operate between Wiehle-Reston East and Federal Center SW only. There is currently no capacity to fill unforeseen gaps, which will result in longer wait times. Crews are working as quickly as possible to put more trains into service.
Due to the unplanned service disruptions this week, train times on Metro’s trip planner may not reflect the latest service schedule. Customers are encouraged to use the live train map to see the locations of trains on each line. In-station next train signs (Passenger Information Displays)are providing accurate train arrival estimates.
As Metro continues to work closely with the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission and NTSB and more information develops, we will update the public about service.
More information on actions taken, and FAQ, available in the last update.
Metro has taken all 748 of its 7000-series railcars out of service pending further inspections, and they will not return to service until they are deemed safe. The 7000-series trains make up approximately 60 percent of Metro’s railcar fleet. Without these railcars, Metro is able to operate significantly fewer trains than normal. Service on all lines will operate every 30 minutes today, Monday, October 18. All trains will operate as six-car trains.
Reduced Metrorail service is expected to continue until at least Sunday, October 24, as the investigation into the October 12 derailment continues. Beginning tomorrow, trains will operate every 15 minutes on the Red Line and will continue to operate every 30 minutes on all other lines. Silver Line trains will operate between Wiehle-Reston East and Federal Center SW only.
As Metro continues to work closely with the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission and NTSB and more information develops, we will update the public about service.
Actions Taken
WMATA started working with NTSB and the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission last week to determine the cause of the Blue Line derailment at Arlington Cemetery; that investigation is still ongoing.
Because safety remains our number one priority, we have removed all 7000-series railcars from service to properly inspect the fleet.
These actions are being taken out of an abundance of caution.
- We understand the impact this decision has on transportation for the DMV area (National Capital Region). We apologize for this reduction in service and the inconvenience this is causing our customers.
- As customers experience delays and full rail cars during their commute, please know we have made a concerted effort to improve airflow. Face masks continue to be required throughout the system, and Metrorail cars recycle the air approximately every three minutes
- We want the public to know we are committed to their safety and will continue to release updates as we receive them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Metrorail Faregate Replacement Project
Every day, over one million transactions take place at the 1,200 faregates across Metro’s 91 stations. As part of its commitment to improve the customer experience and invest in keeping the region’s infrastructure in a state of good repair, Metro is undertaking a major initiative to replace and upgrade the aging faregate technology throughout its system.
Per WMATA:
Metrorail customers will soon see modern, stainless steel faregates at stations across DC, Maryland, and Virginia as the faregate system upgrades take place. The new faregate model is made from high-quality brush finished stainless steel and will include advanced safety features, modernized displays and quicker pass-through at the gate.
To help prepare and familiarize customers with the new gates, a limited pilot program will launch in June 2021 at six stations: Clarendon, Dunn Loring, Gallery Place, Glenmont, Waterfront and West Falls Church. All customers traveling through these six pilot stations will have the option of trying out the new faregate, whether they use a plastic SmarTrip® card or mobile pay.
Metro will begin full installation of the faregates this summer. Apart from the six pilot stations, customers will first be able to experience the new faregates at Potomac Avenue, Eastern Market, Capital South and Federal Center SW stations. In order to have minimal impact on customers’ commutes, installations will take place overnight, during non-business hours. Depending on the number of faregates, each station is expected to take up to two weeks to complete.
A Modernized Experience and Improved Service for Customers
While the faregates will have a new look, customers can expect the same ease of use they are accustomed to with upgraded features such as:
- Larger displays
- Increased safety features, including improved motion sensors
- More handsfree service options through the kiosk-mounted payment validator and mobile payment through Apple and Google Pay
And that’s not all. The new faregate technology will also provide Metro’s station managers with instant access to faregate data, helping improve customer service when SmarTrip card issues arise.
The upgraded technology will require replacement of Metro’s first generation SmarTrip cards, issued 2012 or earlier. The cards contain outdated chip technology and will not be compatible with the new faregates. To learn more and determine if your card needs to be replaced, visit wmata.com/cardreplacement.
Timeline
October 2021:
Addison Road
Friendship Heights (north entrance)
Gallery Place (east and west entrances)
Glenmont
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (north entrance)
Silver Spring
Union Station
Waterfront
Stations with New Faregates
Arlington Cemetery
Bethesda
Capitol South
College Park-U of Md
Crystal City
Eastern Market
Federal Center SW
Forest Glen
Friendship Heights (south entrance)
Gallery Place (north entrance)
Georgia Ave-Petworth
Greenbelt
Potomac Ave
Prince George’s Plaza
West Hyattsville
Wheaton
Did you know?
Today’s faregates were installed in the 1990s when the original SmartTrip card was introduced. At that time, many transit systems featured taller or floor-to-ceiling revolving gates – which made some passengers feel less safe and less aware of their surroundings. Metro’s faregates were intentionally designed to sit lower, providing customers with greater visibility into the station interior and eliminating most hidden spaces or blind corners.
Expect reduced Metrorail service tomorrow, Monday, October 18: Trains on all lines to operate about every 30 minutes
Per WMATA:
As part of the investigation into the Blue Line derailment, Metro is holding out of service all of its 7000-series railcars, which is nearly 60% of its rail fleet.
Without these railcars, Metro will operate about 40 trains tomorrow – offering a basic service pattern on all lines of trains departing about every 30 minutes. All trains will operate as six-car trains.
As Metro continues to work closely with the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission and NTSB and more information develops, we will update the public about service for the remainder of this week.
The Washington Football Team will be retiring the late Sean Taylor’s jersey at halftime of today’s game. Taylor will be recognized in a press-game ceremony at 12:45 and his jersey will be retired at halftime of today’s game against the Chiefs.
The team was criticized earlier this week for not providing the public notice of the jersey retirement until earlier this week, just a few days before it was scheduled to occur.
Team President Jason Wright offered an apology to fans on Thursday, acknowledging “screwing up the execution” of the event. The statement can be seen here.
Below is more information on today’s tribute, courtesy of the Washington Football Team.
During the Washington Football Team’s October 17th matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, the team will honor nearly 100 alumni at FedExField, while also paying a special tribute to Washington alumnus and football legend, Sean Taylor. Taylor’s family will join the team on-field for a pre-game ceremony in which Taylor’s contributions to the team will be remembered alongside the retirement of his jersey number, 21. This will mark only the third time in the team’s 89-year history that a jersey number will be officially retired.
The team also will formally commemorate the renaming of the road leading to FedExField as Sean Taylor Road with family and friends of Taylor before the game. Sean Taylor’s family will have the opportunity for a private visit at Taylor’s locker on the Club Level, which has been perfectly preserved from his last game, and will enjoy the game from specially reserved suites. Co-owners Dan and Tanya Snyder were especially close with Taylor and view him as an important part of the team’s legacy. They have remained supportive of his family over the years and will be helping to host the family during the game.
Taylor played for Washington during all four seasons of his NFL career. After being selected with the 5th overall and first Washington Football Team pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, Taylor established himself as one of the top young safeties in the league and a fan favorite. Following a successful rookie year, Taylor started 15 games and led Washington to its first playoff win in six years. By 2006, Taylor was one of the premier defenders in the NFL. Then, tragically on Nov. 27, 2007, Sean Taylor’s life was cut short after being shot during a robbery attempt on his Florida home. Posthumously, Taylor was honored by the NFL and named a 2nd team All-Pro selection in 2007. The following year, Washington announced he would be inducted as only the 43rd member of the Washington Ring of Fame.
“I came into the NFL the same year as Sean Taylor and immediately his athletic ability, resilience, grit, and relentless work ethic set him apart. I and many others looked to him as a role model,” said Jason Wright, Washington Football Team President. “The fact that he was tragically taken so early hurt our player community, but also our fans, coaches, and staff. We will continue to remember him and hold him up as an example of professionalism and excellence, and we will all strive to mirror his excellence in our own ways.”
Yesterday, NBCSports Washington reporter JP Finlay tweeted a statement released by Washington Football Team Co-CEO and owner Tanya Snyder.
In her statement, she references comments that were selectively quoted out of context regarding recent issues within the organization.
The appearance by Tanya Snyder on NFL insider Adam Schefter’s podcast also led to some confusion regarding the new name of the team earlier in the week.
During her appearance, it seemed as though Snyder announced the 8 remaining names in contention for the Washington Football Team’s new nickname.
This came a couple weeks after Team President Jason Wright announced that the team had narrowed it down to 3 potential names.
The day after the podcast Adam Schefter tweeted clarification on Tanya Snyder’s comments, stating that a Washington Football Team spokesperson said the list of eight names she mentioned were a selection of names that were highlighted in the WFT’s Making the Brand Video, and not a final list of potential name candidates.
Earlier this week, Washington Football Team President Jason Wright announced that the team has narrowed the search for a new name down to three options.
The announcement came in an Instagram video that blurred out Wright‘s mouth while bleeping his voice, leaving fans to speculate on the new name.
According to Sports Illustrated, “Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera says the final team name will “suit” fans from all three corners of the DMV, not just DC.”
The Tae and Todd Washington Football Podcast put out a tweet, which has gained a lot of traction, speculating that the three names that went through are Commanders, Wolves, and Redtails.
As with most changes, fans have been all over the place with their response to the potential names. Knowing that the team will not be returning to its former name, what name would you like to see announced?
Yesterday, Hank Dietle’s announced that it would require proof of vaccination or a negative covid test 48 hours prior to any event.
Soon after, popular DC Area live music venues, The Anthem, 9:30 Club, Merriweather Post Pavilion, and a Lincoln Theatre, released a joint message that they would also be requiring any patrons who attend live events to be vaccinated or provide proof of a negative covid test within 72 hours of a live event.
The reaction on social media has been overwhelmingly positive as these live music venues take steps to ensure they can remain operating as restrictions tighten due to a rise in cases of the Covid delta variant.
The full message can be seen below:
The Washington Football Team announced today updated stadium policies and protocols for games and events at FedExField for the 2021 season.
Per the Washington Football Team:
These policies will help to provide a safe and enjoyable gameday experience, and the best possible fan experience, for all guests at FedExField.
Some of the new policies for this season include:
• Recommended Mask Wearing: Face coverings are recommended for FedExField guests who are not vaccinated and optional for guests who are vaccinated. These mask guidelines may be updated consistent with applicable local regulations and/or FedExField policy.
• FedExField is Now Cashless: Patrons at FedExField will have the chance to enjoy great food and beverage options throughout the stadium with cashless payment. Payment via credit/debit cards with scan/chip and mobile devices will be accepted at all points of sale.
• Tailgating Returns to FedExField: Fans attending events at FedExField will have the opportunity to tailgate around the facility. For specific details, please see the “Tailgating” section in the stadium guide.
• Approved Fan Attire: We are excited to welcome everyone back wearing their Burgundy & Gold. However, Native American inspired ceremonial headdresses or face paint may no longer be worn into the stadium.
