Commanders Owner Josh Harris 'Focused on Changing The Culture'
If there were two things the Washington Commanders were consistently critiqued for under former owner Dan Snyder, it was the culture and mistreatment of people within the organization.
Multiple instances of sexual misconduct and multiple investigations with Snyder marred a once-great franchise before he took over in 1999. Now, with Josh Harris in as the Commanders' new owner, changing the culture is at the forefront of things he has to accomplish.
"We're focused on changing the culture. I think a lot of that has hopefully been done. I mean, that's what we think, but we’ve got to get in there. And obviously, it's about creating a management team where everyone doesn't look the same. And it's about zero tolerance on ethically challenged behaviors."
"Ethically challenged behaviors" ran rampant under Snyder and caused him to be fined $60 million as he exited the door as Washington's owner following an investigation by former U.S. Attorney and SEC Chair Mary Jo White.
"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. What Ms. Johnston experienced is inappropriate and contrary to the NFL's values."
While the goal for every franchise is to put a winning product on the field, it's hard to sustain without having the right culture in place. One could argue that the culture under Snyder led to more pressure on team President Jason Wright and head coach Ron Rivera compared to most in their respective positions.
If Harris can establish the right culture in Washington, it won't just fix a broken franchise off the field. The impact will likely be felt on the field as well, and if that happens, the Commanders will have a chance to return to their form before Snyder ruined the franchise.
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