Daniel Snyder was fined $60 million, by far the largest penalty ever levied against an NFL team owner, after he was found to have sexually harassed a woman who was a former cheerleader and marketing employee for the Washington Commanders.
A league-sponsored investigation released Thursday found credible claims made by Tiffani Johnston, who said that Snyder put his hand on her thigh without her consent at a work dinner in 2005 or 2006, and that he later attempted to push her toward the back seat of his car after the event.
According to the report, her account was supported by evidence and contemporaneous witnesses.
The findings were reported by Mary Jo White, a former federal prosecutor and chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission, who spent 17 months looking into allegations of widespread sexual harassment against executives at the team, as well as claims of financial improprieties.
The NFL released White’s report immediately after the 31 other clubs approved the sale of the Commanders to an investment group led by Josh Harris for $6.05 billion, a record for an American pro sports team.
“The conduct substantiated in Ms. White’s findings has no place in the NFL,” Commissioner Roger Goodell said. “We strive for workplaces that are safe, respectful and professional.”
This article originally appeared in The New York Times.