Schmidt in ‘Washington Times’ on Legal Challenges Facing NFL Owner

St. Louis Partner Chris Schmidt was quoted Dec. 23 by The Washington Times on the continuing legal challenges facing Washington Football Team owner Dan Snyder, who is wrapped up in numerous conflicts alleging racism, sexual harassment and workplace misconduct. Among the latest issues, in December it was reported that the team paid $1.6 million to a former employee as part of a confidential settlement in 2009 after she accused Snyder of sexually harassing her. Schmidt, co-leader of BCLP’s Sports & Entertainment Litigation Practice, said the NFL has never forced an owner to sell and could be hesitant to do so, even if Snyder is found to be violating the league’s by-laws. He added that the 2009 financial settlement likely would not be enough to oust Snyder. “A settlement is not an admission of guilt,” Schmidt said. “It does not prove that harassment took place alone. … Let’s await what the full investigation shows before passing judgment, one way or another. I think we just need to get more facts. We’re all interested in how the investigation turns out.”