Report: NFL won't force Snyder to sell Washington franchise

Washington owner Dan Snyder won't be forced to sell the franchise after 15 women who previously worked for Washington accused executives of sexual harassment and/or verbal abuse in an explosive report published earlier this week, according to Mark Maske of The Washington Post.

Though the club and certain individuals are likely to face discipline, including fines, the NFL reportedly isn't expected to take formal steps to push Snyder to put his team on the market.

Under league bylaws, the NFL and its owners can force a sale if an owner is found to have engaged in conduct detrimental to the welfare of the league.

Jerry Richardson put the Carolina Panthers up for sale in 2017 after allegations of workplace misconduct. Richardson was directly accused of inappropriate behavior, while Snyder hasn't been.

The NFL called the report of misconduct within Synder's franchise "disturbing" and said it will "take action based on the findings." Washington hired a law firm to review the organization before the report was published, and Snyder later pledged to oversee an organizational culture change.

"The behavior described in (Thursday's) Washington Post article has no place in our franchise or society," he said. "This story has strengthened my commitment to setting a new culture and standard for our team, a process that began with the hiring of coach (Ron) Rivera earlier this year."

Snyder was already facing intense scrutiny prior to the publication of the report due to his long-awaited decision to retire the controversial Redskins name.

Snyder took ownership of Washington in 1999. He has long been one of the most loathed owners in North American professional sports, and the team has made the playoffs just four times under his watch.