Resignation of NFLPA Leader Raises Questions About Union's Integrity
Introduction
The recent resignation of Lloyd Howell Jr., former leader of the NFL Players Association, has caused quite a stir in the sports community. An outside investigator hired by the union discovered that Howell had charged the union for two visits to strip clubs, leading to his swift departure. This news has raised questions about the integrity of the NFLPA and the behavior of its leadership.
Key Details
This is not the first time the NFLPA has been scrutinized for questionable expenses. In 2015, the union was criticized for spending over $3 million on luxury hotels and first-class flights. In this latest incident, Howell's expenses included charges for high-end restaurants and luxury hotels, in addition to the two strip club visits. The union has since stated that they will be implementing stricter financial oversight to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.
Impact
The resignation of Howell has left the NFLPA in a difficult position and has raised concerns about the overall culture within the organization. This scandal has also brought to light the issue of excessive spending and lack of accountability in professional sports unions. It is important for organizations like the NFLPA to maintain transparency and uphold high ethical standards in order to protect the interests of their members and maintain public trust.
About the People Mentioned
Lloyd Howell Jr.
Lloyd Howell Jr., born in 1966, is an American businessman and former executive director of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA).[1][2] He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a BS degree and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School.[1] Howell spent 34 years at Booz Allen Hamilton, a global consulting firm specializing in analytics, engineering, and cyber solutions for government and business clients, rising to roles including Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer before retiring on December 31, 2022.[1][2][4] During his tenure, he championed diversity and inclusion initiatives and received Black Engineer of the Year Awards in 2010 and 2011 for professional achievement.[4][6] He also served as a vice president of the AFL-CIO.[1] In June 2023, Howell was elected as only the fourth executive director in NFLPA history, tasked with advocating for players' health, safety, and financial interests amid negotiations with NFL owners.[1][5] His leadership faced scrutiny, including accusations of conflict of interest from part-time consulting for The Carlyle Group, a firm seeking NFL franchise investments, and a prior 2011 lawsuit alleging sexual discrimination at Booz Allen.[3] Howell resigned from the NFLPA on July 17, 2025, after an investigator uncovered documents showing he charged the union for visits to strip clubs in Miami Gardens and Atlanta, citing distractions to the organization's mission ahead of the season.[1][3] He expressed pride in accomplishments over his two-year tenure and committed to supporting players from outside the union.[3] (Word count: 298)
About the Organizations Mentioned
NFL Players Association
## Overview The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) is the labor union representing professional football players in the National Football League (NFL), advocating for their rights, benefits, and working conditions both on and off the field[3][6]. Founded in 1956, the NFLPA has evolved from a small group of dissatisfied players seeking basic improvements—such as clean socks and jocks, higher pay, and safer equipment—into a powerful organization that negotiates collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), provides legal representation, and supports players in health, career, and financial matters[1][3][7]. ## History The NFLPA’s origins trace to 1956, when Cleveland Browns players enlisted Creighton Miller, a former player and attorney, to address grievances with team owners[1][2]. Initially focused on modest demands—minimum salary, equipment maintenance, and injury compensation—the union gained leverage after the 1957 Supreme Court ruling in *Radovich v. National Football League*, which forced owners to recognize the association to avoid antitrust litigation[1][2]. Despite early resistance, the NFLPA secured its first player benefits in 1959, including pensions and medical insurance[1]. The 1970s and 1980s saw pivotal battles: the elimination of the “Rozelle Rule” (restricting free agency) in 1976, the establishment of a Washington, D.C. headquarters in 1971, and multiple strikes, including the 1987 strike that led to NFL owners fielding replacement players[2]. Under leaders like Gene Upshaw (executive director from 1983–2008), the NFLPA negotiated landmark CBAs, introducing free agency and a salary cap, significantly boosting player earnings and mobility[3]. ## Key Achievements - **Collective Bargaining:** Negotiated CBAs that established minimum salaries, health benefits, pensions, and, crucially, free agency—transforming player compensation and career autonomy[2
