The NFL is once again brushing up against controversy - this time in connection with the latest round of documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice related to Jeffrey Epstein. The newly unsealed files include references to at least four current NFL team owners, casting a fresh wave of scrutiny over some of the league’s most powerful figures.
Among those named is Steve Tisch, co-owner of the New York Giants. According to the documents, Tisch exchanged emails with Epstein, with some of the correspondence suggesting Epstein may have been scouting women for Tisch. The nature of those communications is now under the microscope, though no formal accusations have been made.
Also referenced in the files is Woody Johnson, owner of the New York Jets. His name came up in one of Tisch’s emails, where Tisch allegedly asked Epstein if he wanted to join him and “Woody” for a walk. While the name wasn’t spelled out in full, Johnson had previously been named in a separate email released by the House Oversight Committee back in November.
Josh Harris, who owns the Washington Commanders and also holds a stake in the Philadelphia 76ers, was identified in the latest DOJ release as having had a business relationship with Epstein. The two reportedly exchanged multiple phone calls, and Harris is said to have visited Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse at least once.
Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, was also mentioned - this time in a text exchange between Epstein and a contact identified only as “Jack.” The documents suggest Epstein may have played a role in helping to assemble Kraft’s legal defense team following his 2019 arrest for solicitation of a prostitute.
It’s important to note: none of the owners named in the documents have been accused of criminal wrongdoing, nor is there any evidence, at this point, that they visited Epstein’s infamous private island. Still, the release of these documents is likely to raise difficult questions for the NFL and its ownership ranks.
The league has worked hard in recent years to project an image of accountability and integrity at the top - from personal conduct policies to ownership vetting. But when names like these surface in connection with one of the most notorious criminal figures of the 21st century, it’s bound to cause a stir. Even without allegations of illegal activity, the optics alone are troubling - and could prove to be a reputational headache for the teams involved.
As more information continues to emerge, all eyes will be on how the league - and the owners themselves - respond.