Jason Friedman, who testified before Congress last year alleging financial improprieties by the Washington Commanders, has filed suit in Virginia against the team and one of its attorneys, John Brownlee, on a defamation claim.

Friedman, who filed the 15-page suit in the civil division of Loudoun County District Court on July 7, asked for $7.5 million in compensatory damages and another $350,000 in punitive damages, in addition to fees incurred. He also asked for a jury trial.

The story was first reported by The Washington Post.

The news came out three days before NFL owners will gather in Minneapolis to vote on the sale of the Commanders from Dan and Tanya Snyder to a group led by Josh Harris. Owners are expected to approve the $6.05 billion sale, ending the Snyders' 24-year reign.

On March 14, 2022, Friedman testified before the House Oversight Committee for its investigation into the Commanders' work culture under Snyder. During his closed-door testimony, Friedman accused the team of financial improprieties, which led the committee to send a letter to the Federal Trade Commission about the allegations a month later.