The worst of times are over, the best of times may be ahead. Whatever Josh Harris does as the Washington Commanders' new owner has to be better than the now-defunct Dan Snyder era.
NFL owners unanimously approved the team’s sale to Harris and Co. in Minneapolis on Thursday. It was worthy of cannons firing, balloons filling the air and fans clogging streets. For 24 years, an undeserving young millionaire mismanaged one of the NFL’s leading franchises into one of the worst.
LIVE coverage of the sale approval on now!
But, that’s done. Take one moment to say goodbye to Snyder and his awful reign. He has fled to London. Call it America’s payback for the British burning the White House in 1814. Snyder’s now the Brits’ problem.
Scream into the night one more time over the losses, high prices, stale beer, old food, spilt milk and mistreatment of everyone. Let it loose with a fury.
And then we’ll speak no more of him just like Harry Potter doesn’t mention Voldemort.
Instead, turn your attention to the new owner. Don’t judge Harris based on his predecessor’s sins. Nor judge Harris versus Jack Kent Cooke’s great tenure. It’s like comparing LeBron to Jordan. Different eras are apples and oranges.
Harris deserves a honeymoon if only for ridding Washington of its worst local leader since Woodrow Wilson nearly a century ago. For that, Harris gets a pass for any missteps over the coming six months.
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Come January, Harris is on the clock. What does he do with coach Ron Rivera or team president Jason Wright? Or, with anyone on the payroll? Depending on the coming season, it’s either an all-in or all-out on leadership.
Come next summer, it’s time to judge Harris’ ability to get a new stadium. Oh, it may take longer to secure a new site, but a year should be enough to whittle down options.
Meanwhile, it’s time to admit the team remains Commanders. Win a few games and get the past owner far enough in the rear-view mirror and fans will move on. There’s no reason to start another civil war among Hogs versus Redwolves fans when neither will budge any more than Trump-Biden supporters.
A new name is not Harris’ battle. Let it go.
The only thing Harris can do right now is show fans they’re more than dollar signs to him. That he’s not the latest rich guy playing with a sports toy that permits outlandish behavior. By owning the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, Harris has been a good steward of sports franchises even if they’re now in three different cities that compete against other hometown teams. Hopefully, Harris won’t appear at Capital One Arena wearing a 76ers or Devils cap. Ask Bryce Harper how wearing a competing team’s gear works in this town.
Better times are coming, though not soon enough for fans. Big things take time and Harris has a mountain of tasks ahead. So, bury the second-guessing for a while and just enjoy some calmness around the Commanders.
After all, the peace is well deserved.
Follow Rick Snider on Twitter: @Snide_Remarks
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