Former NFL linebacker Junior Galette played for Washington for three seasons (2015-17) and the experience was unforgettable – and not in a good way.
For Galette, the pattern is apparent. Dan Snyder refused for years to change Washington’s team name, ultimately caving to corporate pressure. And, last week, more than a dozen former employees accused the franchise of sexual harassment and verbal abuse.
Galette is not surprised that Snyder – knowingly or unknowingly – allowed that culture to exist.
“Mr. Snyder has for years had a chance to be progressive and lead the charge against racism by doing something so simple, by changing a name – a name that is offensive to Native Americans,” Galette said. “But he refused, digging into protect what anyone with eyes can see is a racist name. He even double-downed and publicly said he would never change the name. ‘It’s that simple. Never. You can use caps.’”
Snyder, who became Washington’s owner in 1999, has had eight different head coaches since 2000. During that time, Washington is 142-193-1 and 2-5 in the playoffs. It has not won a playoff game since 2005.