Washington owner Dan Snyder conducted 'shadow investigation,' fostered toxic culture: House Committee

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Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder fostered a toxic workplace culture where employees were afraid to speak out over fear of relation and launched a "shadow investigation" meant to discredit accusers and witnesses during the NFL’s independent investigation, according to a memo released by the U.S. House Oversight Committee. 

The 29-page memo was released Wednesday morning, just hours before NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was set to testify at a hearing. The memo summarized the committee's eight-month-long investigation into accusations of a toxic workplace environment within the organization and the NFL’s subsequent investigation. 

Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder walks off the field before his Redskins  lose to the Houston Texans at FedEX Field on November 18, 2018, in Landover, MD.  (John McDonnell/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Evidence collected by the committee included testimony that said Snyder "refused to take action" against a member of the Washington coaching staff who was accused of groping another employee, instead advising the victim to "stay away from the coach." 

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One former employee also claimed that employees were afraid to speak out "because they had seen so many others lose their jobs."

The memo also alleged that Snyder sent private investigators to the homes of former cheerleaders and witnesses meant to intimidate and deter them from participating in the NFL’s investigation or offer them "hush money." 

Dan Snyder, center, co-owner and co-CEO of the Washington Commanders, adjusts his mask as he arrives to unveil