Washington coach Ron Rivera understands the monumental task he faces in trying to change the culture of an NFL franchise that many have deemed toxic. When Rivera was hired in January, he already knew that the culture needed to change. But last week, the Washington Post detailed the charges of sexual harassment by former employees, underscoring the need for change.
“There are a lot of things we need to change and correct in order to move forward,” Rivera told ESPN’s Jeremy Schaap on Outside the Lines. “We are trying to create an inclusive culture, a culture in which people buy from us and support us, help us, we support them, we help them. We want to change it to the point where people are proud of who we are as we go forward as an organization. “
Part of that change includes finding a new name. The franchise announced Thursday that it will be temporarily known as the Washington soccer team. Marketing director Terry Bateman told ESPN on Thursday that the process could take anywhere from 12 to 18 months.
At one point this summer, Rivera expressed hope of having a new name before the season began. But after announcing on July 13 that the franchise would withdraw its old name, it became clear that it would be difficult to have a new one so soon. Owner Dan Snyder had previously attempted to score Warriors for a possible Arena League team, but Native American leaders have said it would be too close to the previous name.
“We told everyone, we have learned through this process of trying to understand that it will take us at least 12 to 18 months to get it right,” Rivera said. “We may have a decision on the name sooner. But to do it well, to produce it well, to do it well, we have to go through the process.”
That process includes not only naming a team, but also applying for and receiving a trademark. It also means creating a logo. Washington can adopt a new name and start using it before receiving final approval of the trademark
“We will probably have the name much sooner than I think we expected,” Rivera said, “but we want everyone to know that this will take a little longer than we originally envisioned.”
The same could be said about changing Washington’s culture. Many employees have complained for years about how they are treated in the organization; More than 40 left after the 2018 season, although not all out of dissatisfaction. Then on July 17, the Washington Post reported that 15 women who previously worked for the franchise alleged sexual harassment and verbal abuse. Two reporters also said they were harassed.
“I was surprised, disappointed,” Rivera said, “knowing that this is part of the reason I am here, it is to change those things, it is to make sure that we do not have this type of environment. We want to have a work environment positive, not only for the football team, for the players and the staff, but for the organization itself. “
Rivera and Bateman have spoken publicly about the name and, now, about the allegations, but Snyder has only released two statements about the Post article. But Rivera said it is okay to be the face of the organization. After being hired, Snyder said the team would be focused on the coach.
“Well, that’s why I took the job,” said Rivera. “This is part of my responsibilities, and it is one of the things that I am learning and learning to do. And I really appreciate that. Mr. Snyder and I talk daily, we talk about things that are happening, we talk about things that are happening. And I tell him this is my position, this is my position, and he is very supportive of these things. “
Rivera said he also spoke to his daughter, Courtney, and his wife, Stephanie, about the charges and improving culture. Her daughter works for the Washington social media team; his wife is a former WNBA coach.
“Trust me, I’ve made mistakes,” said Rivera, “but I’ve tried to learn from those mistakes so I can be better at things as I go … We’ve talked about inclusion, whether we’re trying to improve the diversity of a who we are hiring, but we are trying to include everyone. That is probably the most important thing we have to do. “
His goal, he said, is to create a “sustainable and winning culture.” That would lead to a stronger work environment, he said.
“We need people to help us, rather than ‘Let’s find someone to blame and try to bury those people,'” he said. “No, we know what it is. We know what the situation is. Now let’s find answers, implement the plan, move forward with the strategy, and make this work.”
.
