As the two teams prepare to face each other Sunday, the Commanders want Colts owner Jim Irsay to stop talking about embattled Washington owner Daniel Snyder.
“It’s unfortunate that Mr. Irsay continues to behave in a way that clearly is in violation of the Constitution of the NFL,” a Commanders spokesperson told the Washington Post in a statement. “We look forward to playing his team on Sunday.”
According to Article IX, Section 9.1 (C) (4) of the league’s Constitution & Bylaws, any owner is prohibited from “publicly criticizing any member club or its management, personnel, employees, or coaches and/or any football official employed by the League. All complaints or criticism in respect to the foregoing shall be made to the Commissioner only and shall not be publicized directly or indirectly.”
Washington Commanders owners Dan Snyder and Tanya Snyder speak during a reveal for the team’s new name on Feb. 2, 2022. The Washington Post via Getty ImagesIrsay made headlines at the owner’s meetings earlier this month with open criticism of Snyder, saying that other NFL owners should consider his removal amid allegations of the toxic workplace environment inside the Washington organization.
“We have to look at all the evidence, and we have to be thorough going forward,” Irsay said. “But I think [removal] is something that has to be given serious consideration. I believe it’s in the best interest of the National Football League that we look it squarely in the eye and deal with it.”
“I just believe in the workplace today, the standard that the shield stands for in the NFL, that you have to protect that,” Irsay added. “I just think that once owners talk among each other, they’ll arrive to the right decision. My belief is that — unfortunately — that’s the road we probably need to go down. And we just need to finish the investigation. But it’s gravely concerning to me the things that have occurred there over the last 20 years.”
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay during a game against the Buccaneers on Nov. 28, 2021. APNFL commissioner Roger Goodell has said that he informed league owners to hold off until all investigations into Snyder and the Commanders have been completed. A sale can be forced by other owners with at least 24 votes for removal.
Snyder is expected to be in attendance Sunday in Indianapolis, but he and Irsay have not spoken directly since the latter’s public comments were made, ESPN reported Sunday.
