Jeff Bezos-linked Commanders reach hefty financial settlement amid ticket sale scandal involving their own fans
Jeff Bezos is reportedly the frontrunner to become the next owner of the Washington Commanders should Daniel Snyder decide to sell the franchise. One major issue plaguing the beleaguered franchise has been resolved.
The Maryland Attorney General's office made it known that it has reached a settlement with the NFL franchise. This was after the team was accused of not returning security deposits to season ticket-holders.
Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh claims the Commanders took in security deposits from season ticket-holders and luxury suite ticket-holders. However, they did not return the funds back to them within the necessary 30 days.
The team supposedly didn't return the down payment unless it was required in writing. This was a breach of the Consumer Protection Act.
Under the settlement, the Commanders must remit all security deposits that have not yet been sent back within 30 days. The team also agreed to pay a $250K penalty. Frosh released a statement on the settlement reached with the team.
"For many years, the Commanders kept money that was not theirs. It belongs to their customers. Today's settlement will require the team to return the monies owed to consumers. The Commanders will pay a penalty, and they will be enjoined from engaging in similar practices in the future."
For any prospective owner of the Washington Commanders, this is one less worry to be concerned about. The question is, will it stop Jeff Bezos from trying to get the franchise?
Is Jeff Bezos interested in buying the Commanders?
Jeff Bezos was asked in a recent exclusive interview with Chloe Melas of CNN if he was seeking to buy the team. The Amazon founder gave a hint that he's interested in buying the Commanders should the team be put up for sale.
“Yes, I’ve heard that buzz. It is my favorite sport. So we’ll just have to wait and see.”
Bezos also noted in that interview that he grew up in Houston, Texas, playing football growing up as a kid. According to Forbes, Bezos' net worth stands at $124 billion, which could hinder prospective buyers from buying the Commanders.
Daniel and Tanya Snyder recently hired Bank of America to possibly inquire about all options related to the Commanders.
Currently, the Washington Commanders are valued at $5.6 billion, the sixth-highest in the NFL. We'll see what the Commanders will do in terms of ownership as Bezos waits patiently.