The Washington Commanders have taken swift action against a high-ranking team executive following the release of an undercover video that captured him making derogatory comments about players, fans, and other NFL figures.
Rael Enteen, who served as the Commanders’ vice president of content, became the center of a controversy that has sent shockwaves through the organization and the league.
The video in question was released by O’Keefe Media Group, a company that publishes secretly recorded footage. According to James O’Keefe, the founder of the media group, the videos were taken on two separate dates in June in Washington, D.C. O’Keefe revealed that Enteen and the woman who filmed the interactions had initially connected through a dating app.
Enteen can be heard making a series of controversial statements in the footage. He referred to some players as “dumb” and “homophobic” while describing fans as “high school-educated alcoholics” and “mouth breathers.”
The Commanders’ organization wasted no time addressing the situation. Initially, they suspended Enteen pending an internal investigation. A team spokesperson stated, “The language used in the video runs counter to our values at the Commanders organization.”
However, the suspension was short-lived. On Thursday, September 5, 2024, the team confirmed that Enteen had been terminated. The decision came after thoroughly reviewing the video content and its implications for the team’s image and values.
Enteen’s comments extended beyond the Commanders’ organization, touching on broader NFL topics. He criticized NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, referring to him as “a $50 million puppet” and suggesting that the league’s social justice efforts were merely performative.
Perhaps most controversially, Enteen made pointed remarks about the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, Jerry Jones. In the video, he claimed that Jones “hates gay people and Black people” and asserted that the billionaire owner “really runs the NFL.” These statements have raised eyebrows across the league, though neither the Cowboys nor the NFL had responded to requests for comment at the time of this report.
Enteen, who had been with the Commanders since 2020, also made revealing comments about his role within the organization. He described his job as vice president of content as “selling hope to fans” even when there was none to be found. This candid admission has raised questions about the authenticity of team communications and the relationship between NFL franchises and their fan bases.
The incident has sparked discussions about the culture within NFL organizations and the expectations placed on team executives. It has also highlighted the potential risks of private conversations in the age of social media and undercover journalism.
James O’Keefe, whose company released the video, has a history of publishing such content. However, it’s worth noting that O’Keefe has faced legal challenges, with some accusing him of using deceptive tactics and selective editing in his videos.
The Commanders, for their part, have emphasized their commitment to maintaining a positive and inclusive environment. The quick action against Enteen demonstrates the team’s desire to distance itself from the controversial comments and reaffirm its values to players, fans, and the broader NFL community.
Enteen’s professional background includes previous roles with the New York Jets and the XFL before joining the Commanders in 2020.