2. The NFL Knew Mr. Snyder Tried to Block Ms. Wilkinson’s Access to Key Information The Committee’s Investigation Shows the League Knew of Mr. Snyder’s Efforts to Obstruct Ms. Wilkinson’s Investigation Wilkinson, including blocking access to information related to sexuality. allegations of assault against him. However, the League played down its actions. 179 The NFL received “regular updates on the progress of the investigation,” including “significant developments” from Ms. Wilkinson and her team, which almost certainly included updates on efforts commanders to obstruct the investigation. Mr. Donovan filed a complaint against Ms. Wilkinson to prevent her from disclosing documents showing that the League was aware of the obstruction. In a November 2020 court filing, Ms Wilkinson explained that her firm was “obligated to consult and coordinate with their client [redacted] before submitting a substantive evidentiary response to Donovan’s filing,” suggesting that she kept the NFL informed of the lawsuit. ¹80 Lisa Friel, Senior Vice President and Special Counsel for NFL Investigations, even filed an affidavit in the case, detailing efforts by Mr. Snyder’s attorneys to silence the employee who accused Mr. Snyder of sexual assault and to prevent the publication of this employee of her NDA. 181 Ms. Wilkinson also met with the NFL at key times in commanders’ efforts to block access to key information. For example, she met with Ms. Friel on October 20, 2020 and October 26, 2020 – the first meeting taking place the day after Ms. Wilkinson received a letter from Mr. Donovan’s attorney refusing to allow Mr. Donovan to be questioned, and At the second meeting on the same day, the Reed Smith law firm informed Ms. Wilkinson that Mr. Snyder’s accuser would not be released from her confidentiality obligations. 182 179 Committee on Oversight and Reform, Deposition of Bruce Allen (6 September 2022) (online at https://oversight.house.gov/sites/democrats.oversight house.gov/files/2022-0906%20Deposition%20of %20Bruce%20Allen_Redacted.pdf); Letter from Rob Kelner, Covington & Burling LLP, on behalf of the National Football League, to Chair Carolyn B. Maloney, Oversight and Reform Committee, and Chair Raja Krishnamoorthi, Economic and Consumer Policy Subcommittee (November 4, 2021) (online at https://oversight house.gov/sites/democrats.oversight house.gov/files/3.%202022-02-04%20%20Kelner%20NFL%20Nov.%204%20Letter_Redacted .pdf). 180 Beth Wilkinson pre-hearing brief, doc. 240, (11 November 2020), Donovan v. Wilkinson, ED Va (no. 1:20-cv-01344-AJT-IDD). 181 Opposition to Motion for Preliminary Injunction, Doc. 245, (20 November 2020), Donovan v. Wilkinson, ED Va (no. 1:20-cv-01344-AJT-IDD); Statement by Lisa Friel, doc. 248, (November 20, 2020), Donovan v. Wilkinson, ED Va (#1:20-cv-01344-AJT-IDD); Sources: Commanders Boss Snyder Claims ‘Dirt’ on NFL Owners, Goodell (October 13, 2022) (online at www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/34778123/washington-commandersowner-dan-snyder-claims-dirt -nfl-owners-roger-goodell); Daniel Snyder has pledged to support the NFL’s investigation. His Actions Tell a Different Story, Washington Post (December 14, 2021) (online at www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2021/12/14/daniel-snyder-nfl-investigation/); Statement by Beth A. Wilkinson, Doc. 246, (20 November 2020), Donovan v. Wilkinson, ED Va (no. 1:20-cv-01344-AJT-IDD). 182 See Email from Simone Ross, Covington & Burling LLP, on behalf of the National Football League, to Majority Staff, Oversight and Reform Committee (February 25, 2022) (confirming the dates the NFL received updates day of the Wilkinson firm); Statement by Beth A. Wilkinson, Doc. 246, (November 20, 2020), Donovan v. Wilkinson, ED Va (#1:20-cv-01344-AJT-IDD); Statement of David P. Donovan in Support of David Donovan’s Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction, Doc. 233, (8 November 2020), Donovan v. Wilkinson, ED Va (no. 1:20-cv-01344-AJT-IDD). 56
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