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Outgoing Washington Commanders' owner Dan Snyder was fined $60 million after the NFL found he sexually harassed employees and deliberately hid millions of dollars in revenue from other teams, the league said Thursday.

The big picture: The NFL released the findings of an independent investigation into Snyder's conduct minutes after NFL owners voted to approve the sale of the Commanders. 

Snyder's tenure, which began in 1999, had been marred by harassment scandals and a deflated fanbase.

Details: The investigation, which was conducted over 17 months and included interviews with dozens of witnesses and a review of over 10,000 documents, found that Snyder sexually harassed former team employee Tiffani Johnston.

Johnston, a former cheerleader and marketing official, testified in Congress last year that put Snyder put his hand on her thigh and tried to pull her into his limousine.

Snyder had previously denied Johnston’s allegations and denied the incident had happened when speaking to the independent investigators. 

Flashback: Testifying before Congress, five accusers said they faced sexual harassment and non-consensual touching hundreds of times while working for the team. 

They testified about a lewd video showing the cheerleaders exposed during a photo shoot, which the Washington Post reported in a 2020 investigation.

What they're saying: "The conduct substantiated in Ms. White’s findings has no place in the NFL," Commissioner Roger Goodell said in an emailed statement Thursday. 

"We strive for workplaces that are safe, respectful and professional. What Ms. Johnston experienced is inappropriate and contrary to the NFL’s values."

Flashback: End of Dan Snyder era in sight

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NFL: Commanders' Dan Snyder fined for sexually harassing employees

The league released the findings of an independent investigation into Snyder's conduct minutes after NFL owners voted to approve the sale of the Commanders.

Owner Daniel Snyder  watches warm-ups before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Fed Ex Field on August 22, 2009 in Landover, Maryland. Photo: G Fiume/Getty Images

National Football League (NFL)

Outgoing Washington Commanders&#x27; owner <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dan Snyder" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/12/washington-commanders-dan-snyder-josh-harris" data-vars-content-id="192d82f9-089b-4b7f-9805-9083164be503" data-vars-headline="NFL: Commanders&#x27; Dan Snyder fined for sexually harassing employees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/12/washington-commanders-dan-snyder-josh-harris" target="_self">Dan Snyder</a> was fined $60 million after the NFL found he sexually harassed employees and deliberately hid millions of dollars in revenue from other teams, the league said Thursday.The big picture: The NFL released the findings of an independent investigation into Snyder&#x27;s conduct minutes after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NFL owners voted" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/20/washington-commanders-sold-nfl-dick-snyder" data-vars-content-id="192d82f9-089b-4b7f-9805-9083164be503" data-vars-headline="NFL: Commanders&#x27; Dan Snyder fined for sexually harassing employees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/20/washington-commanders-sold-nfl-dick-snyder" target="_self">NFL owners voted</a> to approve the sale of the Commanders.

Shifts in technology and media are changing the way we play, watch and understand sports. Business models are adapting and social change is forcing those in charge of teams and leagues to reconsider decades-old practices.

Sports

President Biden has made the COVID-19 crisis and a post-Trump return to national unity and traditional democratic ideals his top priorities. From vaccinations to stimulus to schools, Biden is seeking bipartisan compromise while showing a willingness to use executive authority and bare Democratic majorities in the U.S. House and Senate to implement his policies. Republican leaders are navigating deep party divisions over if and how to move beyond former President Trump.

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The NFL team owners voted unanimously on Thursday to approve of private equity executive Josh Harris acquiring the Washington Commanders from current owner Dan Snyder, the league said in a statement. 

Why it matters: The $6 billion deal is the largest ever for a pro sports team and ends an ownership tenure that included more scandals than playoff wins. 

The big picture: Snyder's tenure had been marred by harassment scandals and a deflated fanbase.

Harris said in May when the sale was first announced that he was looking forward to "having the honor to serve as responsible and accountable stewards of the Commanders franchise moving forward."

What they're saying: “Josh will be a great addition to the NFL," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said. 

"The diverse group that Josh has put together is outstanding for its business acumen and strong Washington ties and we welcome them to the NFL as well," Goodell added. 

Details: Harris is leading the new ownership group, which also includes local billionaire Mitchell Rales and basketball legend Magic Johnson.

Also involved is David Blitzer, who co-owns pro sports clubs like the New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia 76ers with Harris. 

Catch up quick: The approval comes after months of bidding, and turmoil even after Harris' bid was announced. 

In May, the NFL finance committee raised some questions at a meeting and indicated they need time to scrutinize the details, the Washington Post reported.

How Josh Harris might lead the Commanders

NFL approves sale of Washington Commanders for record $6 billion

Its the largest deal ever for a pro sports team and ends an ownership tenure that included more scandals than playoff wins.

Illustration of the Washington Commander's logo peeling back to reveal a hundred dollar bill on the reverse side.

The NFL team owners <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="voted unanimously" data-vars-click-url="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1682130421360852994" data-vars-content-id="a498a70b-2068-4d94-bd43-0169dbd2ad33" data-vars-headline="NFL approves sale of Washington Commanders for record $6 billion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1682130421360852994" target="_blank">voted unanimously</a> on Thursday to approve of private equity executive Josh Harris acquiring <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Washington Commanders" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/12/washington-commanders-dan-snyder-josh-harris" data-vars-content-id="a498a70b-2068-4d94-bd43-0169dbd2ad33" data-vars-headline="NFL approves sale of Washington Commanders for record $6 billion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/12/washington-commanders-dan-snyder-josh-harris" target="_self">the Washington Commanders</a> from current owner Dan Snyder, the league said in a statement. Why it matters: The $6 billion deal is the largest ever for a pro sports team and ends an ownership tenure that included more <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="scandals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2022/02/04/washington-football-dan-snyder-new-accusations" data-vars-content-id="a498a70b-2068-4d94-bd43-0169dbd2ad33" data-vars-headline="NFL approves sale of Washington Commanders for record $6 billion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2022/02/04/washington-football-dan-snyder-new-accusations" target="_self">scandals</a> than playoff wins.

After a record economic expansion, the coronavirus pandemic sent the U.S. economy into a recession as unemployment soared to staggering heights. The country now faces urgent questions about how much stimulus is needed for reeling consumers and businesses, and what a recovery might look like.

Economy & Business

The Florida State Board of Education on Wednesday approved new, controversial standards for how Black history would be taught in schools, the Washington Post reports. 

Driving the news: It's the latest development in the ongoing education battle in Florida, and one that critics say "sets a scary standard."

The board passed the new standards unanimously, per the Post.

Noting that slaves developed skills for their personal benefit.

Teaching about "acts of violence" perpetrated by African Americans in addition to acts of violence against them.

Flashback: Earlier this year, Florida rejected an Advanced Placement African American History course despite backlash from Black leaders. 

Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) and conservative politicians said the AP course teaches critical race theory, a college-level framework that is rarely taught in grade school but is often conflated with teachings on systemic racism.

What they're saying: The Florida Education Association, the state’s largest teachers union, called the new standards a "big step backward" for the state and that they do a "disservice" to Florida's students.

State Sen. Geraldine Thompson (D) said the changes are now "blaming the victims."

State Rep. Anna Eskamani (D) said the new standards were "inaccurate and a scary standard for us to establish.”

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Florida Board of Education approves controversial Black history standards

It's the latest development in the ongoing education battle in Florida, and one that critics say "sets a scary standard."

Demonstrators protest Florida Governor Ron DeSantis plan to eliminate Advanced Placement courses on African American studies. (Photo by Joshua Lott/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Education

The Florida State Board of Education on Wednesday approved new, controversial standards for how Black history would be taught in schools, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Washington Post reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/07/19/florida-black-history-standards/" data-vars-content-id="a7b97de6-173f-465a-8f89-e0c53c0b72f3" data-vars-headline="Florida Board of Education approves controversial Black history standards" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/07/19/florida-black-history-standards/" target="_blank">the Washington Post reports</a>. Driving the news: It&#x27;s the latest development in the ongoing education battle in Florida, and one that critics say &quot;sets a scary standard.&quot;

Prosecutors say a man arrested near former President Obama's home last week with weapons in his van visited the D.C. neighborhood after former President Trump shared what he claimed was Obama's address on Truth Social.

Driving the news: Prosecutors allege Taylor Taranto, 37, then wrote on Telegram, "'We got these losers surrounded! See you in hell, Podesta's and Obama's (sic)." He allegedly then began livestreaming from his van on his YouTube channel in the Kalorama neighborhood of D.C.

Taranto, of no fixed address, allegedly talked about finding an entrance to the Obamas' home using the sewer system, according to Wednesday's court filings.

Based on earlier threats and because Taranto had previously indicated the vehicle contained some type of explosive device, the FBI’s bomb squad technicians and MPD’s K9 officers were deployed, per the court filings.

Zoom in: Taranto had two firearms in his van, but 18 guns registered to him haven't been recovered yet, prosecutors say. 

He also had "hundreds of rounds of nine-millimeter ammunition, a steering wheel lock, and a machete," in his van, according to prosecutors.

Law enforcement had been unable to find and arrest him earlier because of his lack of a fixed address.

Secret Service uniformed officers began monitoring Taranto as soon as he began walking around and filming in Kalorama. He fled as soon as they approached him before he was ultimately apprehended, prosecutors said.

Yes, but: Prosecutors say that two of Taranto's social media accounts have deleted information or been deleted entirely since his arrest.

"It is unknown at this time who is deleting these accounts, but there is a concern that if released, Taranto will continue to attempt to destroy evidence."

The big picture:  Taranto had been on law enforcement's radar for making various threats leading up to his arrest last week, according to the documents.

Prosecutors allege he threatened to blow up the National Institute of Standards and Technology and warned Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R) that he “can’t stop what’s coming.

Taranto also allegedly entered an elementary school near the Maryland home of Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin while making apparent threats to the congressman, per prosecutors.

Representatives for Trump did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.

Of note: Taranto also had an open warrant out on charges related to the Capitol riot, per NBC News.

Editor's note: The headline of this story has been corrected to note that Taranto drove through Obama’s neighborhood, not to his home.

Prosecutors: Man went near Obama's home after Trump posted alleged address

Armed man went near Obama's home after Trump posted alleged address, prosecutors say

He allegedly talked about finding an entrance to the Obamas' home using the sewer system.

The former President of the United States of America Barack Obama participates in conversation with Andreas Drakopoulos as part of the SNF Nostos Conference 2023. Photo by Menelaos Myrillas / SOOC / SOOC via AFP

Barack Obama

Prosecutors say a man arrested <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="near former President Obama&#x27;s home" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/29/obama-threat-arrest-jan-6" data-vars-content-id="c366cf8c-f339-4bb2-9e49-884d158c3dfe" data-vars-headline="Prosecutors: Man went near Obama&#x27;s home after Trump posted alleged address" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/29/obama-threat-arrest-jan-6" target="_self">near former President Obama&#x27;s home</a> last week with weapons in his van visited the D.C. neighborhood after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="former President Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="c366cf8c-f339-4bb2-9e49-884d158c3dfe" data-vars-headline="Prosecutors: Man went near Obama&#x27;s home after Trump posted alleged address" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">former President Trump</a> shared what he claimed was Obama&#x27;s address on Truth Social.Driving the news: Prosecutors allege Taylor Taranto, 37, then wrote on Telegram, &quot;&#x27;We got these losers surrounded! See you in hell, Podesta&#x27;s and Obama&#x27;s (sic).&quot; He allegedly then began livestreaming from his van on his YouTube channel in the Kalorama neighborhood of D.C.

A mass shooting at a Baltimore block party early Sunday left two people dead and at least 28 others with gunshot wounds, police and city officials said.

The latest: The ages of those shot ranged from 13 to 32 years old and some 15 of the injured victims hurt were younger than 18, the Baltimore Police Department said.

No arrests have been made. Acting Police Commissioner Richard Worley, who just took the helm in June, said it isn't clear if the victims were targeted.

Killed were 18-year-old Aaliyah Gonzales, a female, and 20-year-old Kylis Fagbemi, a male.

Those who survived were identified as two 13-year-olds, one 14-year-old, three 15-year-olds, five 16-year-olds, four 17-year-olds, five 18-year-olds, three 19-year-olds, and one each who were 20, 22, 23, 31 and 32.

Police were still searching for the suspects and "we know for sure there are more than one," but officers were still trying to determine how many, Worley added.

Driving the news: Police said they started receiving 911 calls at 12:30am and arrived to find an 18-year-old woman dead at the scene.

Nine people were transported from the scene to hospitals. 20 people walked into nearby hospitals. Three of the victims are in critical condition, according to police.

A 20-year-old man, who was taken to the hospital, was later pronounced dead.

Police did not immediately disclose a motive for the shooting.

The big picture: There have been more mass shootings in the U.S. so far this year than days, according to the Gun Violence Archive.

As of Sunday morning, there had been three mass shootings in July in Baltimore; Wichita, Kansas; and Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Details: Mayor Brandon Scott told CNN the shooting occurred during the annual block party in Baltimore's Brooklyn neighborhood.

Scott described it as "a working-class neighborhood filled with immense pride."

"It is a neighborhood that has had its troubles, but a neighborhood that has seen some folks in that community really determined to see it be successful and see things turn around," Scott said.

What they're saying: "This was a reckless, cowardly act that happened here that has permanently altered many lives," Scott said.

"I hope every single breath that you take, that you think about the lives that you took, and you think about the lives that you impacted here tonight," the mayor added.

Of note: Scott said the shooting "highlights the impacts and the need to deal with the over-proliferation of illegal guns on our streets and the ability for those who should not have them to get their hands on them."

Editor's note: This article has been updated with more details on the shooting, including the ages of those shot.

2 dead, 28 injured in shooting at Baltimore block party

Police have "no information on suspects or a motive at this time."

Mass shooting scene in the 800 block of Gretna Court in Baltimore Sunday. Photo: Kyle Mazza/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

TuAnh Dam

Stories

NFL: Commanders' Dan Snyder fined for sexually harassing employees

NFL approves sale of Washington Commanders for record $6 billion

Florida Board of Education approves controversial Black history standards

Prosecutors: Man went near Obama's home after Trump posted alleged address

2 dead, 28 injured in shooting at Baltimore block party