The Washington Commanders may be offered for a document $6 billion. NPR’s Michel Martin talks with Dave Zirin, sports activities editor at The Nation.
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 document. 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 good looking 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 appears 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: Nicely, I am not a fan of his for a similar purpose that Washington, D.C., is just not 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 give you a extra disliked personal citizen within the historical past of Washington, D.C. – not politician, however personal citizen. And we couldn’t give you one…
MARTIN: OK.
ZIRIN: …When it comes to common dislike. And it has to do with 24 years of taking one of the vital worthwhile, beloved franchises in the complete nation, no matter league, and driving it into turning into an afterthought, driving the stadium…
MARTIN: OK.
ZIRIN: …Into turning 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’ve got talked about, years of lawsuits and investigations and scandals involving Snyder and the Commanders – a few of these investigations are nonetheless happening. Might these have an effect on the sale?
ZIRIN: I do not assume they are going to 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 a number of this has to do, we’ve to say, with accusations of sexual assault and toxicity that ran by means of the workforce’s office with Dan Snyder’s fingerprints, allegedly actually, throughout a state of affairs the place ladies weren’t meant to really feel protected. That is the top-line story, I believe, of why he is promoting, though it may additionally be as a result of, in line with ESPN, he spent cash to dig grime on his fellow franchise house owners, which possibly that was the bridge too far for a fraternity of people who have by no means hesitated to welcome the odious into their ranks.
MARTIN: What will 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 information 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, for those who’re asking me, does it really feel type of gross that this one who did a lot mistaken on this metropolis for twenty-four years is getting a $6 billion bailout? Sure. However generally that is the value for really having a workforce that you could 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 – potential?
ZIRIN: This is step one certainly. However it is going to be a protracted journey again. However not less than the course is in a optimistic course.
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 Protect.” 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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