Josh Harris is winning over Commanders fans left and right — but he might have to practice some people skills.
Joining the “Monday Night Football” booth for the Commanders’ preseason game against the Ravens, Harris appeared to grab Joe Buck’s hand for a handshake as the ESPN commentator extended his arm while speaking, clearly not intending to shake Harris’ hand.
“I mean, you’re no stranger to professional sports teams,” Buck said, pausing awkwardly as Harris grasped his outstretched hand for a half-hearted and confused shake.
Fellow commentator Troy Aikman couldn’t help but crack a smile as he watched the strange encounter.
Harris — who also owns parts of the 76ers and New Jersey Devils — uncomfortably placed his hands on his hips following the weird display.
Harris, who purchased the team from disgraced prior owner Dan Snyder on July 20 for a record $6.05 billion, has made a great impression on Washington fans and players during his young tenure.
Snyder, who bought the team in 1999 and led a regime characterized by scandals and sexual harassment, was fined $60 million after the sale was approved.
After the Commanders’ preseason 17-15 win over the Browns, head coach Ron Rivera handed Harris the game ball in the team’s locker room.
“I’m proud to be part of this family,” Harris said after he caught the ball. “Thank you for delivering the win. Love you guys.”
“We did hand Mr. Harris a game ball,” Rivera said postgame, according to ProFootballTalk. “It was a preseason game and we told him a win’s a win and you can always keep this one. We gave it to him and the guys were pretty fired up and looking forward to the opportunity to give him one for real.”
Magic Johnson, another member of the ownership group along with Harris, said the team would once again consider a name change — saying “Everything’s on the table” in July.
The Commanders, who were previously the Redskins, have made the postseason just once since 2016 and finished 8-8-1 last season.
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