Breaking News: NFLPA’s Interim Executive Director Likely Not a Full-Time Fit, Insider Reports

A significant shift is unfolding in the NFL Players’ Association (NFLPA) as Lloyd Howell steps down as the executive director. The league’s insiders suggest that the person chosen to fill the interim role will likely not be considered for the permanent position.

This Friday, player representatives from all 32 teams will meet for a call to discuss what’s next. While there’s no set timeline for announcing the interim director, many players are pushing hard for Don Davis to take the helm.

Howell’s resignation comes after serious concerns about his leadership. Reports from sources like ESPN and Pro Football Talk revealed troubling details. It was uncovered that the NFLPA had allegedly signed a confidentiality agreement with the NFL to conceal crucial arbitration information. Additionally, worries arose about Howell’s consulting work for a private equity firm that had gained approval for a minority ownership stake in the league.

Adding to the tension are ongoing federal investigations into certain sports union officials and a company called OneTeam Partners, which manages athletes’ name, image, and likeness rights. The NFLPA holds a 44% stake in OneTeam, along with four other sports unions. Concerns were voiced that union leaders might benefit personally through their involvement with OneTeam. In response, the NFLPA hired an outside firm last winter to investigate, with Howell being part of the board when these issues surfaced.

Howell joined the NFLPA in 2023 after a controversial hiring process that lacked transparency. Before this, he worked at Booz Allen for over three decades, even serving as chief financial officer. Interestingly, similar to his predecessor DeMaurice Smith, Howell didn’t have a sporty background. His academic credentials include a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Harvard.

As this story unfolds, it reflects deeper issues within sports unions regarding governance and accountability. The conflict around Howell and the NFLPA highlights an ongoing conversation about transparency and integrity in professional sports.

For more insights on the evolving landscape of sports management and governance, check reports from credible sources like ESPN and the NFLPA.

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NFL, Sports Business