Posted on Jun 20
Washington Commanders reach $1.3M settlement over season-ticket deposit handling, says Attorney General Jason Miyares
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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Washington Commanders have reached a settlement with the Virginia attorney general following a two-year investigation into the handling of season-ticket deposits. The settlement, totaling $1.3 million, includes payments for deposits and penalties.
Attorney General Jason Miyares announced that the settlement requires the organization to pay over $600,000 in deposits and an additional $700,000 in penalties and investigation costs. The investigation was initiated on April 25, 2022, after information regarding possible financial improprieties came to light during a congressional investigation.
The improprieties primarily revolved around how the team handled the return of season-ticket deposits. It was discovered that Washington unlawfully retained significant sums of security deposits and imposed additional conditions on consumers seeking refunds. Furthermore, the team failed to remit any unclaimed security deposits to state unclaimed property offices until at least 2023.
The events investigated occurred under the ownership of Dan Snyder, who sold the team in July 2021 to a group led by Josh Harris. The new ownership, upon acquiring the team, cooperated fully with the attorney general's office. They provided business, financial, and accounting documents and conducted their own internal investigation.
Attorney General Miyares acknowledged the current ownership's willingness to engage in discussions and resolve the matter amicably rather than pursuing lengthy litigation.
As part of the settlement, the Washington Commanders are obligated to refund all remaining security deposits on dormant accounts or remit them to state unclaimed property departments. Additionally, they are required to refund security deposits on file within 30 days of contract expiration.
In addition to the deposit refunds, the team will pay civil penalties of $600,000. They will also cover $100,000 for attorney fees and investigation costs incurred by the attorney general's office.
Attorney General Miyares emphasized the importance of consumer protection and accountability, stating, "We're going to protect consumers. We're going to hold them accountable. And that's exactly what we did here."
A team spokesperson expressed satisfaction with the settlement, acknowledging that the issues investigated occurred under prior ownership. They stated, "We are pleased that this settlement has been reached, resolving issues that occurred under prior ownership."
The spokesperson further highlighted the current ownership's commitment to addressing and resolving the matter in a cooperative manner.
The Washington Commanders have settled the season-ticket deposit investigation, agreeing to pay $1.3 million as part of the settlement. The investigation revealed financial improprieties related to the team's handling of security deposits, which occurred under the previous ownership.
The current ownership, led by Josh Harris, cooperated with the attorney general's office, provided necessary documents, and conducted internal investigations. The settlement requires the team to refund deposits, pay penalties, and cover investigation costs.
This resolution brings closure to a chapter marred by alleged mishandling of season-ticket deposits, underscoring the importance of transparency, accountability, and consumer protection in professional sports organizations.