Lloyd Howell Resigns as NFL Players Association Executive Director Amid Controversies

Strategic Insights -

Lloyd Howell's unexpected resignation on Thursday night as the executive director of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has left the union's player members and their agents in a state of uncertainty. The decision comes following a series of controversies, including a federal investigation into a licensing company co-founded by the NFLPA, the union's handling of an arbitrator's ruling in a collusion case, and a potential conflict of interest stemming from Howell's ongoing consulting role with a firm approved to make private-equity investments in NFL franchises. In a written statement, Howell cited his desire to allow the union to focus on its player members ahead of the upcoming season as the reason for his resignation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lloyd Howell's resignation as NFLPA executive director comes amid controversies, including a federal investigation into a licensing company co-founded by the union and a potential conflict of interest stemming from Howell's consulting role with a firm approved to make private-equity investments in NFL franchises.
  • The NFLPA's executive committee was aware of Howell's role with Carlyle when he was elected and will convene as soon as possible to determine the union's next moves.
  • People on the players' side mentioned longtime NFLPA executive Don Davis and Tom DePaso as potential candidates to serve as interim executive director.
  • Agent Blake Baratz urged players to "please pay attention to what is going on with you and your governing body," calling for leadership and transparency.
  • The NFLPA will appeal the arbitrator's ruling in the union's 2022 case alleging that the NFL and teams colluded to prevent certain players from receiving fully guaranteed contracts.

Statistics:

  • The NFLPA has been involved in informal, high-level discussions with the NFL about potentially implementing an 18-game regular season since last July.
  • Arbitrator Christopher F. Droney in January dismissed the union's 2022 case alleging that the NFL and teams colluded to prevent certain players from receiving fully guaranteed contracts.
  • The federal investigation reportedly centers on whether union leaders improperly benefited from a partnership with OneTeam, a licensing company co-founded by the NFLPA in 2019.

Sources:

  • The Washington Post article by Mark Maske and Lloyd Howell's written statement.
  • The NFL's statement on the arbitrator's ruling in the league's 2023 grievance accusing the NFLPA of improperly advising players.
  • The NFLPA's executive committee members' message to fellow players.
  • Ronald C. Machen's hiring by a group of players to assist in reviewing Howell's work as executive director.