NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has issued a statement condemning the behavior described in a Washington Post article, which detailed sexual harassment allegedly committed within the Washington Football organization.
"We strongly condemn the unprofessional, disturbing and abhorrent behavior and workplace environment alleged in the report which is entirely inconsistent with our standards and has no place in the NFL," Goodell said.
The commissioner's statement comes just hours after Washington owner Dan Snyder issued his own statement on the matter. He too condemned the behavior described in The Washington Post article. Snyder also flatly denied any involvement in the alleged behavior, in which he's directly implicated as having participated in the harassment of one employee, according to The Post. Snyder went on to question his accuser and the merits of the reporting, accusing The Post of writing a 'hit job' that relied on unnamed sources.
"An independent investigation into these issues is in process, led by highly experienced counsel recommended by our office," Goodell's statement continued. "We will continue to monitor the progress of this investigation and ensure that the club and its employees satisfy their obligation to give full cooperation to the investigators.
"If at any time the club or anyone associated with the club fails to do so, the investigating counsel has been asked to promptly advise our office and we will take appropriate action. When the investigation concludes, we will review the findings and take any appropriate action at that time."
The curious part of Goodell's statement is the "independent investigation" to which he refers as being in process.
The commissioner appears to be referring to the investigation being conducted by Beth Wilkinson, an outside attorney hired by Snyder himself to review the organization's internal processes and past behavior. Wilkinson was brought in after a separate Washington Post article was published earlier in July, describing sexual harassment claims made by at least 12 women.
If that's the investigation to which Goodell is referring in his statement, it's hard to conclude that it's truly "independent" with any level of sincerity.
Snyder has previously said Wilkinson is "empowered to do a full, unbiased investigation and make any and all requisite recommendations."
