Jim Irsay broke the NFL billionaire’s code by turning on Dan Snyder. It’s about time

Finally, someone with influence said the obvious. Colts owner Jim Irsay set off fireworks Tuesday when he became the first NFL owner to publicly state that there is “merit to remove” Dan Snyder as owner of the Washington Commanders. Irsay, in what appeared to be a calculated move, spoke for 10 minutes to media members at the NFL’s fall owners’ meeting about Snyder’s stain on the league.

“I believe in the workplace today, the standard that the shield stands for in the NFL, that you have to stand for that and protect that.” Irsay said. “I just think once owners talk among each other they will arrive at the right decision. Unfortunately, I believe that’s the road we probably need to go down and we just need to finish the investigation, but it’s gravely concerning to me the things that have occurred there over the last 20 years.”

A powerful and significant statement to be sure. The fortress surrounding Snyder has been impenetrable since he assumed ownership in 1999 despite being consistently embroiled in scandal. Irsay loosening a brick was brave and bold in that it directly violated NFL owner billionaire’s code: Do not publicly comment on fellow owners’ unsavory behavior no matter how toxic.

It also provided a tiny ounce of satisfaction to the millions in the NFL sphere who have been disgusted by the league’s longtime complacency regarding Snyder. Irsay and the other owners had remained silent for two years as disturbing accusations by at least 50 former Washington employees of rampant workplace harassment, including by Snyder directly, surfaced. And they were silent following an earlier report of team cheerleaders allegedly suffering through sexual harassment and intimidation by the team and team sponsors. They also lacked