After weeks of controversy, Lloyd Howell Jr. stepped down immediately as executive director of the NFL Players Association on Thursday night. In his statement, Howell said his leadership had become a distraction and that his departure would help the union stay focused on representing players as the new season approaches.
Howell’s resignation follows reports that the NFLPA had secretly agreed with the league to keep details about an arbitration case confidential. That case involved accusations that league executives encouraged team owners to limit guaranteed pay for players. Earlier this year, an arbitrator ruled there wasn’t enough evidence of collusion, but the union plans to appeal.
The situation also raised questions about Howell’s side role as a consultant for the Carlyle Group, a private equity firm that works with the NFL. Although Howell and the union’s legal team insisted there was no conflict of interest, doubts lingered.
The NFLPA’s executive board is expected to meet in the coming days to plan its next steps and choose an interim director.
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