House panel asks NFL's Goodell, Washington Commanders' Snyder to testify on workplace 'misconduct'

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder have been asked by the House Oversight and Reform Committee to testify about allegations against Snyder and the allegedly hostile work environment fostered throughout his pro football franchise.

Democrat Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Carolyn Maloney, the committee's chairwoman, sent a letter Wednesday asking both men to appear June 22 before the panel.

The committee launched an investigation into the Commanders last October, over allegations of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct within the organization, formerly known as the Washington Redskins.

The investigation follows the leak of an email chain between former Las Vegas Raisers head coach Jon Gruden and then-Commanders team President Bruce Alllen. 

The email chain contained racist and homophobic language and resulted in Gruden's resignation. 

"Since we launched our investigation in October, the committee’s goal has been to uncover the truth about the culture of harassment and abuse at the Washington Commanders, to hold accountable those responsible, and to better protect workers across the country," Maloney said in a statement. "We must have transparency and accountability, which is why we are calling on Mr. Goodell and Mr. Snyder to answer the questions they have dodged for the last seven months."

Allegations about misconduct date back to at least 2013, when some cheerleaders for the Redskins said they were required to be topless for a photo shoot.

Rep. Krishnamoorthi says the committee has been "stonewalled" for months by non disclosure agreements and other tools.

The Illinois lawmaker also said it is time for Snyder and Goodell to appear before the Democrat-led committee to address the issues and answer questions about "the pervasive workplace misconduct at the Washington Commanders, and how the NFL addressed these issues."

The NFL, earlier this year, launched a second investigation into the Commanders, following an accusation from former cheerleader and marketing manager Tiffani Johnson that Snyder sexually harassed her during a work dinner. 

Furthermore, the committee has asked the Federal Trade Commission to look into evidence suggesting the team and Snyder may have engaged in a number of financial improprieties. 

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares (R) and Washington, D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine (D) have also launched separate probes into the allegations against the Commanders. 

Snyder, who has owned the team since 1999, has publicly denied all allegations.