Washington Commanders owner Daniel Snyder might not have a choice but to appear in front of the U.S. House Oversight Committee. Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, D-N.Y., said Wednesday that she will subpoena Snyder to testify about his "shadow investigation" into allegations of a toxic work culture inside the organization.

During the NFL’s investigation of the Washington Commanders, Snyder attempted to shift the blame for the work environment to former president Bruce Allen, according to the House Oversight Committee. Snyder denied the committee’s request to testify Wednesday because he is out of the country and has a “business conflict."

"Mr. Snyder has not been held accountable. His refusal not to testify sends a clear message that he is more concerned about protecting himself than coming clean with the American people. If the NFL is unwilling or unwilling to hold Mr. Snyder accountable, then I am prepared to do so," Maloney said. “That is why I am announcing now my intent to issue a subpoena for the testimony of Mr. Snyder for a deposition next week. The committee will not be deterred in its investigation to uncover the truth of workplace misconduct at the Washington Commanders."

Attorney Beth Wilkinson led the NFL’s investigation into the organization, which was fined $10 million by the league.

“Privately, Commanders owner Daniel Snyder launched a shadow investigation in an apparent effort to discredit his accusers in the eyes of the NFL and offer up an alternative target for the investigation,” the committee said in a 29-page memo. “Bound together by an agreement to pursue a common interest and a joint legal strategy, the NFL and Commanders ultimately buried Ms. Wilkinson’s findings.”

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell testified in front of the committee. Goodell maintained that the results of the league’s 10-month investigation of the Commanders by Wilkinson could not be made public because current or former employees of the team requested anonymity.

On Tuesday, the Washington Post reported that an employee of the franchise had accused Snyder of sexual harassment and assault in April 2009 and was paid a $1.6 million confidential settlement three months later. Snyder denied the assault allegations in a court filing two years ago.

Goodell said he didn’t recall Washington informing the league of the allegations against Snyder.

Washington Football Daniel Snyder
Owner Daniel Snyder of the Washington Redskins watches warm-ups before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Fed Ex Field on August 22, 2009 in Landover, Maryland. G Fiume/Getty Images
RELATED STORIES