It was a busy day at the NFL owner’s meetings on Tuesday, and it had nothing to do with rule changes. Instead, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay made headlines when he spoke with the media on Tuesday afternoon, discussing Washington Commanders owner Daniel Snyder.
“I believe there’s merit to remove him as owner,” Irsay said of Snyder.
Not only did Irsay say he believed there was merit to removing Snyder as owner, but he also said he believed the league could “potentially” get the necessary 24 votes to force Snyder out. Irsay also said, “we’re not gonna vote today.”
A spokesperson for Snyder immediately sent the following response to Irsay.
Next, everyone wanted to hear from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who offered the following comments on the matter:
“It’s an ongoing investigation,” Goodell said, according to Jori Epstein of Yahoo Sports. “There were no internal reports. We have not gotten into reports. We do not provide any because we do not have them. When Mary Jo White is done with her investigation, we will share that with the membership and share it publicly, as we’ve committed to before.”
Goodell cautioned against speculation.
“Speculation without facts is not a very positive thing to do,” he said. “I think everyone deserves to have facts and to make sure those decisions are made with facts. And the membership will have that opportunity.”
Finally, Goodell was asked if he was surprised or upset that Irsay broke ranks, so to speak.
“No, how do you like that?” Goodell replied.
Goodell handled this in the best way possible. He didn’t come out and take a side. That’s important. However, it is interesting his reply when asked if he was surprised about Irsay’s comments.
We included the link to Washington’s reply to Irsay, but Snyder also sent a letter to fellow owners Tuesday.
Dan Snyder sent this letter to NFL owners today: pic.twitter.com/Z1qCBh4qds
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) October 18, 2022