February 11, 1999

STATEMENT BY A LEAGUE SPOKESPERSON:

Commissioner Tagliabue today confirmed that current Redskins management retains full authority to direct the operation of the team, including player and coach employment, until the sale of the Redskins is approved by NFL clubs.

The Commissioner acted after learning that the Special Committee of Trustees for Jack Kent Cooke’s estate recently denied management the authority to re-sign certain players.

Commissioner Tagliabue said that the Redskins’ current plans regarding player signings appear to be consistent with past practice at the Redskins and with current practice throughout the League. "They offer no basis for concluding that current management is in any way acting other than in the best interest of the club," Commissioner Tagliabue stated.

He advised the Trustees in a letter that they should not "make any change or restrict in any way" John Cooke’s current status or authority to manage the Redskins without prior discussion with him or without his approval.

The NFL’s Finance Committee meets Monday, February 15 in Atlanta to continue its review of the Redskins sale. No Committee recommendation on the sale is expected at this meeting.