Dell Loy Hansen Engaged In Behavior That Was ‘Inappropriate For The Workplace’

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Real Salt Lake owner Dell Loy Hansen has been found to have been engaging in behavior that was “inappropriate for the workplace” and “contrary to the values” of Major League Soccer, MLS Commissioner Don Garber has stated according to Paul Tenorio on Twitter.

Garber said the league's investigation found Dell Loy Hansen engaged in conduct that was "inappropriate for the workplace" and "contrary to the values" of MLS and RSL. Said team has taken over the sale of RSL and is hopeful it can sell the team in 2021.

— Paul Tenorio (@PaulTenorio) January 12, 2021

Garber also stated that the league has taken over the sale of RSL and is hoping to find a qualified buyer in 2021. The league now has the ability to search for a qualified owner without the consent of Hansen. Hansen will still receive the money in which the club is eventually sold for, but his negotiating ability has been diminished.

The league will determine what the value of the club is through establishing fair market value with interested buyers.

RSL fans have been eagerly awaiting the report following the conclusion of the investigation into their troubled owner. Garber’s comments today are the first public details in which have been released regarding the investigation.

Unfortunately, the comments made by Garber are still rather vague and do not offer any specific details surrounding the workplace environment under Hansen.

Ownership Concerns

Garber mentioned that the league is hopeful RSL can sell in 2021. A concerning tone for RSL fans who have been eagerly awaiting Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith to swoop in and take over control.

Smith, who bought the Utah Jazz from the Miller family in December of 2020, has long been thought to have interest in RSL. In a recent podcast interview with ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on The Woj Pod.

“Something happened in July, where I just kept pushing a little bit and one thing lined up. A soccer team became available and I talked to the Millers and asked them if they wanted to be in it with me, and the reality is they were like “well no”. I said, “well how about I buy the soccer team and we put it together with the Jazz?”. They responded with “if we are going to sell the Jazz we are going to sell the whole thing,” Smith said on the podcast.

Nonetheless, Smith remains as the front runner to buy RSL.

For now, unfortunately, RSL fans will have to continue to wait for further news regarding the search for a new owner.