By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com
Woody Johnson, the New York Jets owner and United State ambassador to the United Kingdom, is reportedly being investigated by a State Department watchdog following allegations of using his government position to attempt to aid one of president Donald Trump’s personal businesses. The story also alleges Johnson could face trouble after reportedly making racist and sexist remarks to his staff.
The allegations were first reported Wednesday morning by the New York Times and CNN.
According to the report, Johnson was asked by the president to use his standing as UK ambassador to get the British Open moved to Trump’s Turnberry golf course in Scotland. Johnson then allegedly brought the matter up with UK government officials.
Jan 1, 2017; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets owner Woody Johnson on the field before a game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Also included in the report are allegations of racist and sexist remarks to staff. CNN reports that Johnson, “made racist generalizations about Black men and questioned why the Black community celebrates Black History Month,” among other comments.
A source also told CNN that Johnson’s comments about women’s appearances have been “cringeworthy” and that ” it was a struggle to get him on board for an event for International Women’s Day.”
Requests for comment to the NFL were referred to the State Department.
Jets safety Jamal Adams, who has requested to be traded citing discontent with the team’s front office, responded to the allegations on Twitter.
Johnson, the heir to the Johnson & Johnson fortune, bought the Jets in 2000. He was named US ambassador to the UK in January 2017.
