Lloyd Howell resigns amid scandal over union expense reports

In July 2023, Lloyd Howell resigned from his role as the Executive Director of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). This decision was fueled by multiple controversies related to his leadership, which had become a distraction to the union's mission. Howell had been with the NFLPA for two years, championing player rights and welfare, but recent findings about his conduct during his tenure sparked scrutiny. Reports emerged detailing Howell's financial decisions, including charging the union for visits to strip clubs and maintaining a consulting position that raised ethical questions. The resignation came swiftly after ESPN raised inquiries into Howell's spending on union expense reports, including lavish outings that questioned the appropriateness of using union funds in such a manner. Investigations revealed Howell charged the NFLPA for trips to strip clubs, including a documented car service costing over $700 linked to one of these visits. The revelation caused an uproar among union members, some of whom were reportedly unaware of the extent of Howell's actions prior to the reports. Compounding the controversy, Howell's past also drew attention, including a prior lawsuit he faced for sexual discrimination during his time at Booz Allen Hamilton. This additional information further fueled discussions about his vetting process and fitness for the executive role in a players' union. As Howell faced increased pressure and scrutiny from various stakeholders, he acknowledged that his leadership had indeed become a distraction during a crucial time for the NFLPA, which sought to focus on player welfare ahead of the upcoming season. In his resignation statement, Howell expressed pride in the achievements during his leadership but acknowledged the necessity of stepping aside to allow the NFLPA to concentrate on its core mission free from distractions. His resignation was accepted promptly by the NFLPA Executive Committee, which communicated to its members the acceptance of Howell's decision and the initiation of discussions for selecting a new leader. This significant change in leadership occurred at a pivotal time for the union as it navigated complex issues related to player engagement and financial management.