![]() ![]() On Friday, the team’s faithful - perhaps some of the very same ones who were at the previous night’s gathering - erupted into chants of “Thank you, Josh!” shortly after Johnson got done addressing the crowd. ![]() Less than 24 hours earlier, at a bar near Nationals Park, fans celebrated Snyder’s departure by chanting “f- Dan Snyder!” repeatedly. The differences between the reception of Harris and Snyder, however, couldn’t have been starker. Asked about what he makes sure changes, Harris said there would be “zero tolerance for ethically challenged behaviors,” emphasizing his team would be diverse and inclusive. Even upon the embattled billionaire’s departure, the NFL issued a $60 million fine to Snyder after a 17-month investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and financial improprieties. In recent years, that slate was muddled by the near-constant controversy generated by Snyder. “It’s like a clean slate for everyone,” he said later. “To be kind of truly be able to focus on the field, to hear that from the ownership, they echoed that same sentiment that the players have been feeling internally for so long where we just to get to focus on our jobs. “That’s the best part of it all, to be honest,” McLaurin said. Addressing the crowd, Allen said he waited “seven years to see the fanbase like this.” McLaurin, meanwhile, told reporters that he was excited to finally be able to focus primarily on football. That aspect drew positive reactions from McLaurin and Allen - both of whom appeared to be cognizant of the differences that Harris would provide. “You win championships with the best people,” he said. Still, there were philosophies, he said, that he would look to carry over, such as investing in analytics and sports science. But on Friday, Harris, also the owner of the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and NHL’s New Jersey Devils, acknowledged that the specifics NFL will be “very different.” Harris and Johnson, of course, have experience in building successful businesses and sports franchises. And we want to change everything that has happened to this franchise.” ![]() “Because I don’t invest in sports teams just for ego. “He said, ‘Yes’ and I said, ‘I’m in,’” Johnson said. He said he asked the private equity billionaire one question: Did he want to win? When he first got up to speak, Johnson recalled the first meeting between him and Harris. No name with Harris was bigger than NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, whose appearance Friday seemed to generate even more excitement for fans than Harris.īut Johnson, who said it was a dream to own a piece of an NFL franchise, made sure to keep the attention on Harris - and what the group will do for Washington. That stage that Harris referenced included Wright, Rivera, Harris’ wife and four of the 20 limited partners that now have a financial stake in the Commanders. “Our work begins today, and I’m so excited to be on this journey together with the city.” My job is to deliver an organization that can win. To the Commanders fans, our promise to you is straightforward: We will work tirelessly to make you proud once again of this franchise, like my family was when I grew up here,” said Harris, a Chevy Chase native. Throughout the day, there were constant reminders that this was indeed a new era. ![]()
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