Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder declines invitation to testify at June 22 congressional hearing

ASHBURN, Va. — Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder informed the House Oversight Committee by letter that he won't testify at their June 22 hearing, saying he would be out of the country.

It had been long expected that Snyder would decline to testify. In the four-page letter, attorney Karen Patton Seymour said Snyder was willing to testify but that the committee «is not willing to consider changing the date of the hearing.»

The letter stated that Snyder had a «longstanding Commanders-related business conflict and is out of the country on the first and only date the Committee has proposed for the hearing.»

According to a committee spokesman, «The Committee intends to move forward with this hearing. We are currently reviewing Mr. Snyder's letter and will respond.»

Congress started investigating Snyder and Washington's workplace culture under him in October. It also is investigating claims of sexual misconduct by Snyder, a charge levied by former employee Tiffani Johnston, in a roundtable session before the committee.

On June 1, the House Oversight Committee invited Snyder and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to testify at the June 22 hearing. It's uncertain if Goodell will testify. The committee could still opt to change the date of the hearing as sometimes happens in less publicized situations. It could also issue a subpoena to Snyder.

Attorneys Lisa Banks and Debra Katz, who represent at least 40 former Commanders employees, said in a statement that «We, along with our clients, are disappointed but not surprised that Dan Snyder does not have the courage to appear voluntarily. We fully expect the Committee will issue a subpoena to compel Mr. Snyder to appear. It is time that Mr. Snyder learns that he is not above the