NFL Player Association's Leader Lloyd Howell Steps Down Following Union Outcries
FBI Investigates Financial Dealings of NFL Players Association and OneTeam Partners
The FBI is currently investigating the financial dealings of the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) and OneTeam Partners, a group-licensing firm co-founded by the NFLPA and Major League Baseball Players Association. The investigation focuses on potential criminal activities, including misuse of funds and self-enrichment by union officials [1][3][4].
The investigation has been ongoing since June, when arbitrator Christopher Droney concluded that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and general counsel Jeff Pash advised teams to avoid guaranteed money in player contracts [1]. This revelation sparked concerns about the integrity of the NFLPA's leadership.
The FBI's scrutiny includes the NFLPA's former executive director, Lloyd Howell Jr., who resigned amid allegations of potential conflicts of interest related to his involvement with The Carlyle Group and reports of questionable union expenses like trips to strip clubs [1][3]. A confidential memo circulated among the NFLPA executive committee and player representatives warns of financial actions that may be criminal and stresses the urgency for the union's leadership to take immediate and transparent actions [1][3][4].
The investigation's full scope remains unclear, but the federal government is monitoring the NFLPA's response and may expand the Department of Justice's criminal investigation if the union does not demonstrate effective oversight and problem resolution [1][2][3]. Following Howell’s resignation, interim leadership challenges emerged, including controversy over JC Tretter, former union strategy director, who also stepped down amid unrelated internal disputes [2][4].
Lloyd Howell was hired by the NFLPA in June 2023 to replace DeMaurice Smith. Before joining the NFLPA, Howell was a paid part-time consultant for The Carlyle Group since March 2023, three months before he was hired as the PA's executive director [1]. During his first full year at the NFLPA, Howell earned $3.34 million [1].
The arbitration details regarding JC Tretter had been kept secret from the public and the union membership, drawing criticism from players. In June 2023, OneTeam Partners fired an arbitrator who ruled on a case involving Tretter [2].
The collusion charge against the NFLPA stemmed from a 2022 lawsuit by the PA that teams and the league worked together to avoid fully guaranteed contracts in violation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) [1]. The earnings covered the fiscal year ending Feb. 28, 2023 [1].
Howell, in his resignation letter, wrote that the members of the NFLPA deserve a union that will fight relentlessly for their health, safety, financial futures, and long-term well-being [2]. Despite the ongoing investigation, the NFLPA has not released official comments on the matter [1][3][4].
[1] The New York Times
[2] ESPN
[3] Sports Illustrated
[4] Pro Football Talk
In light of the FBI's investigation into the financial dealings of the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) and OneTeam Partners, it is crucial to analyze the potential impact of their findings on the future of American football, particularly in sports like football (NFL) and baseball. The investigation's focus on potential criminal activities, such as misuse of funds and self-enrichment by union officials, could significantly affect the trust and integrity of the NFLPA's leadership.
