The Washington Commanders might be offered for a report $6 billion : NPR

MICHEL MARTIN, HOST:

Dan Snyder, the proprietor of the Washington, D.C., NFL franchise the Commanders has reportedly reached an settlement in precept to promote the workforce for $6 billion. That is with a B, and it is an NFL report. And this comes after years of lawsuits, investigations and scandals involving Snyder. Dave Zirin, sports activities editor at The Nation, has some ideas about this, and he is with us now to inform us extra.

Good morning.

DAVE ZIRIN: Oh, it is nice to be right here, Michel. And it is a ravishing day. “Celebration” by Kool & the Gang is enjoying out of sports activities radio.

MARTIN: OK.

ZIRIN: Individuals are shouting cheers from workplace buildings as a result of Dan Snyder seems to be like he’ll not be the franchise proprietor of the Washington soccer workforce.

MARTIN: I take it you are not a fan of his, so why not?

ZIRIN: Effectively, I am not a fan of his for a similar cause that Washington, D.C., isn’t a fan of his. I imply, I – my spouse really teaches D.C. historical past, and I used to be making an attempt to get her to provide you with a extra disliked non-public citizen within the historical past of Washington, D.C. – not politician, however non-public citizen. And we couldn’t provide you with one…

MARTIN: OK.

ZIRIN: …When it comes to common dislike. And it has to do with 24 years of taking some of the precious, beloved franchises in your complete nation, no matter league, and driving it into changing into an afterthought, driving the stadium…

MARTIN: OK.

ZIRIN: …Into changing into the Thirty second-ranked stadium within the Nationwide Soccer League and driving a fan base to truly really feel embarrassed a couple of workforce they as soon as valued.

MARTIN: So let’s discuss – let’s go ahead right here. However simply briefly, as you have talked about, years of lawsuits and investigations and scandals involving Snyder and the Commanders – a few of these investigations are nonetheless occurring. May these have an effect on the sale?

ZIRIN: I do not assume they’ll have an effect on the sale, however they might have an effect on Dan Snyder’s future as a result of lawsuits are ongoing, Congressional investigations are ongoing. And lots of this has to do, we’ve got to say, with accusations of sexual assault and toxicity that ran by way of the workforce’s office with Dan Snyder’s fingerprints, allegedly actually, throughout a state of affairs the place girls weren’t meant to really feel protected. That is the top-line story, I feel, of why he is promoting, though it may additionally be as a result of, based on ESPN, he spent cash to dig dust on his fellow franchise house owners, which possibly that was the bridge too far for a fraternity of those that have by no means hesitated to welcome the odious into their ranks.

MARTIN: What can we learn about this new possession group and something in regards to the phrases of the deal?

ZIRIN: Little or no. I imply, the proprietor, the brand new one, goes to be a hedge fund man. The determine is 6.05 billion. I’ve no details to this – about this, however there is definitely a rumor among the many D.C. sports activities cognoscenti that that quantity, 6.05 – that Snyder wished that 05 actually badly as a result of there have been rumors that he was not going to get that magic 6 billion quantity. Now, should you’re asking me, does it really feel sort of gross that this one that did a lot incorrect on this metropolis for twenty-four years is getting a $6 billion bailout? Sure. However generally that is the worth for really having a workforce you can really feel proud to root for.

MARTIN: Briefly, Washington ranked final within the league in attendance in 2022, second final in 2021. Flip it round – doable?

ZIRIN: This is step one certainly. However it’ll be an extended journey again. However at the very least the path is in a constructive path.

MARTIN: Dave Zirin is sports activities editor for The Nation.

Dave, you bought to study to carry again your ideas right here. He is producer of the movie “Behind The Defend.” And I do wish to point out {that a} workforce spokesperson declined to remark. Dave, thanks a lot for becoming a member of us.

ZIRIN: Thanks.

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