'Dirt on Jerry Jones': Five of the most stunning revelations from ESPN's Daniel Snyder report

It didn't seem possible that allegations against Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder would have the ability to shock anymore. That was before Thursday morning, when an ESPN report revealed — per unnamed sources — that Snyder hired private investigators to get intel on his peers. 

Here are five of the biggest revelations from the report.

1. Snyder informed another owner that "he has dirt on Jerry Jones"

According to the report, "One owner was told by Snyder directly that he 'has dirt on Jerry Jones,' a team source told ESPN, though the nature of the information was unclear. Another source confirmed that Snyder has told a confidant that he has 'a file' on Jones, the Dallas Cowboys owner who has served as Snyder's friend, mentor and longtime firewall of support."

2. Roger Goodell's unsuccessful attempts to distance himself

NFL commissioner Goodell wasn't spared in the report. Other owners see the league as being "in lockstep with Washington on many fronts ... burying attorney Beth Wilkinson's report about the team's toxic workplace ... and by helping the Commanders avoid penalties for repeated violations of the Rooney Rule."

ESPN reported that Goodell rejected Wilkinson's plan to produce "a complete written report" and instead insisted on having the findings conveyed to him orally.

The NFL using its shield to protect Snyder has disappointed other owners, according to the story. The protection given to Snyder wasn't reciprocated, however, as Goodell testified before Congress in June 2022.

"Goodell later told associates in colorful language that he couldn't believe he had to testify," ESPN reported, while the Commanders' owner "was on his yacht...off the French coast."

3. Commanders' stadium in shambles and there's no hope for a new one

NFL executives lament the current state of the Commanders' stadium, and the report also detailed the myriad ways Snyder has been roadblocked while attempting to gain funding for a new stadium.

Snyder had visions of a "$3 billion complex, including a 55,000-seat domed stadium...and a practice facility" to be built in Virginia, the report noted. 

Many believe withholding funding for a new stadium will be what ultimately forces Snyder to sell the team. A high-ranking official for another NFL team told ESPN: "The league's only real tool is to starve him from the funds to build a stadium.'" 

A team owner told ESPN that he believed "his fellow owners would forgive Snyder...if [he] could build a new stadium."

4. Snyder insisted the Commanders acquire QB Carson Wentz

Perhaps unaware of Wentz's meltdown against the Jaguars last season, Snyder pushed for the team to acquire him from the Colts. Some within the organization have confirmed to others that the move was "100 [percent] a [Snyder] move," the report noted.

Earlier this week, Commanders head coach Ron Rivera said the team's biggest issue is "quarterback."

5. Snyder left a horrible impression at 2003 league meetings

Super Bowl XLII, had Snyder gotten his way, would have been held at FedEx Field, the Commanders' home stadium, following the 2007 season. However, the game was awarded to the Arizona Cardinals and their new stadium. Snyder's pitch to land the big game turned off those present at the meetings. 

"Snyder spent as much time extolling the virtues of FedEx Field as he did 'tearing down Arizona,'" ESPN reported. 

Upon the final vote rewarding the Cardinals, Snyder threw a tantrum. 

"He got off on the wrong foot," an owner told ESPN.

Nearly 20 years later, the missteps continue.