Colts Owner Jim Irsay Supports Dan Snyder Ouster: ‘We Have to Act’

Jim Irsay broke ranks.

The conversation about Dan Snyder has emerged from behind closed doors, which is highly unusual. Tuesday afternoon in the vast hotel hallway of the NFL league meeting, Indianapolis Colts team owner Jim Irsay called out another NFL owner, a practice which is very much frowned upon between owners.

“I believe,” Irsay said, “that there’s merit to remove him as owner of the [Commanders].”

Jim Irsay is holding court with reporters going on 10 minutes, talking about why Dan Snyder should be forced to sell his team. I’ve been to a lot of owners meetings and this is unprecedented to see one speak out so forcefully against another pic.twitter.com/GTHVOMsubH

— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) October 18, 2022

Important words from #Colts owner Jim Irsay on #Commanders owner Daniel Snyder: “I believe there is merit to removing him as owner.”

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 18, 2022

Consider Snyder on notice.

Irsay said the 32 NFL team owners “potentially” have the sufficient 24-vote number to remove Snyder from the league and force a sale. Irsay repeated twice that Snyder and the Commanders’ actions have been “gravely concerning” the past 20 years.

“Washington’s allegedly toxic workplace falls below NFL standards, he said, adding “possible financial improprieties” must be investigated and fully discussed. Irsay said he supported the league’s diligence before any final vote, while imploring franchise owners “look it square in the eye.”

“I want to hold my final opinion until I see the whole report in thorough,” Irsay said. “But I have my concerns. At this point, I’m very concerned that he needs to be removed.

“At this point, there has to be serious consideration to be ready to move in that direction.”

Commanders team spokesperson slammed Irsay’s comments and dismissed the notion that Snyder will see his team.

“It is highly inappropriate, but not surprising, that Mr. Irsay opted to make statements publicly based on falsehoods in the media,” the spokesperson said in a statement provided to Yahoo Sports. “It is unfortunate that Mr. Irsay decided to go public with his statement today, while an investigation is in process, and the team has had no opportunity to formally respond to allegations.”

From a #Commanders spokesperson stating Dan and Tanya Snyder will not sell the team. pic.twitter.com/Z0Tf3mFkxS

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 18, 2022

The spokesperson said the team has made “remarkable progress” transforming its workplace the past two years and is “confident” the “actual evidence” of the league investigation will convince Irsay that there is “no reason for the Snyders to consider selling the franchise.”

The statement ended with three words about the Snyders’ willingness to sell: “And they won’t.”

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