Lloyd Howell steps down as executive director of NFL Players Association
Lloyd Howell has resigned as executive director of the NFL Players Association, citing distractions his leadership has caused in recent weeks.
'Two years ago, I accepted the role of Executive Director of the NFLPA because I believe deeply in the mission of this union and the power of collective action to drive positive change for the players of America's most popular sport,' Howell said in a statement released late Thursday night. 'Our members deserve a union that will fight relentlessly for their health, safety, financial futures, and long-term well-being. My priority has been to lead that fight by serving this union with focus and dedication.
'It's clear that my leadership has become a distraction to the important work the NFLPA advances every day. For this reason, I have informed the NFLPA Executive Committee that I am stepping down as Executive Director of the NFLPA and Chairman of the Board of NFL Players effective immediately. I hope this will allow the NFLPA to maintain its focus on its player members ahead of the upcoming season.'
Howell has come under scrutiny since ESPN reported he has maintained a part-time consulting job with the Carlyle Group, a private equity firm that holds league approval to seek minority ownership in NFL franchises.
That followed the revelation that the NFLPA and the league had a confidentiality agreement to keep quiet an arbitrator's ruling about possible collusion by owners over quarterback salaries.
The latest issue was an ESPN report Thursday that revealed two player representatives who voted for Howell were not aware that he was sued in 2011 for sexual discrimination and retaliation while he was a senior executive at Booz Allen.
'I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish at the NFLPA over the past two years,' Howell said. 'I will be rooting for the players from the sidelines as loud as ever, and I know the NFLPA will continue to ensure that players remain firmly at the center of football's future.'
___
Rob Maaddi, The Associated Press
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CTV News
6 minutes ago
- CTV News
Jaroslav Halak announces retirement from NHL after 17 seasons
New York Rangers goaltender Jaroslav Halak (41) stands in goal during a face-off in the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Thursday, April 13, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) Goaltender Jaroslav Halak officially announced his retirement from the NHL after 17 seasons on Friday, more than two years removed from his last game. Halak, 40, last played a game on April 13, 2023, with the New York Rangers. He then spent time with the Carolina Hurricanes early in the 2023-24 season on a professional tryout but was released before competing in a game. 'Last year I completed summer training ... but when nothing came of it, I told myself it was pointless. After that I didn't even try anymore,' Halak told Slovakia's Dennik Sport, per a translation. 'I'm officially ending my career. I would like to thank my family, friends, fans and especially my wife Petra, who has been by my side my entire career.' A two-time William M. Jennings Trophy Award winner as the goalie on the team that allowed the fewest goals in a season, Halak posted a 295-189-69 record with 53 shutouts, a 2.50 goals-against average and .915 save percentage in 581 career games (555 starts). He has played with the Montreal Canadiens, St. Louis Blues, Washington Capitals, New York Islanders, Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks and Rangers. 'It's been two years and I've come to terms with not reaching 300 (wins),' Halak said. 'Looking back on my career, it's been a good one. It would have been nicer with 300 wins, but I'll be happy with 295.' Halak also played for his native Slovakia at the Olympics in 2010 and 2014 and guided Team Europe to the championship game at the World Cup of Hockey 2016. Field Level Media via Reuters
Winnipeg Free Press
36 minutes ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Falcons' Chris Lindstrom voted top interior offensive lineman by AP
Chris Lindstrom has spent much of his six-year career under the radar playing for an Atlanta team that hasn't made the postseason since 2017. But Lindstrom's play deserves much more attention as his ability to create holes in the run game and protect the passer is a key part to Atlanta's offensive production. Lindstrom has been the top-graded guard by Pro Football Focus for three straight seasons and has won the honor of being voted the top interior offensive lineman in the league by The Associated Press. A panel of eight AP Pro Football Writers ranked the top five players among guards and centers, basing selections on current status entering the 2025 season. First-place votes were worth 10 points. Second through fifth-place votes were worth 5, 3, 2 and 1 points. Lindstrom got three first place-votes, two seconds and one third to beat out Joe Thuney for the top spot. Thuney, who was traded from Kansas City to Chicago this offseason, got two first-place votes, one second, three thirds and one fourth to finish second. Kansas City center Creed Humphrey got two first-place votes and finished third and Denver's Quinn Meinerz got the other first-place vote and came in fourth. Indianapolis' Quenton Nelson rounded out the top five. Baltimore Tyler Linderbaum, Philadelphia's Landon Dickerson and Cam Jurgens, Baltimore's Daniel Faalele and recently retired former Detroit center Frank Ragnow also received votes. 1. CHRIS LINDSTROM, Atlanta Falcons Lindstrom has allowed just three sacks and 37 pressures on true pass sets the past three seasons, according to PFF, and has been a steady presence on Atlanta's offense. But Lindstrom really shines at run blocking when his ability to get in space on zone runs has helped fuel Bijan Robinson's success. 2. JOE THUNEY, Chicago Bears Thuney has been one of the top guards in the league ever since being drafted by New England in 2016. He has been a first-team All-Pro the past two seasons in Kansas City and helped the Chiefs and Patriots reach the Super Bowl six times in his nine seasons. Thuney was forced to move out to tackle late last season for Kansas City, but will be back at guard as a key piece in Chicago following on offseason trade. 3. CREED HUMPHREY, Kansas City Chiefs The Chiefs were willing to part with Thuney in part because they were strong at the other interior spots led by Humphrey at center. Humphrey has taken the mantle from Jason Kelce as the top center in the league and made first-team All-Pro for the first time last season. Humphrey hasn't missed a game in four seasons and excels at both run and pass blocking. 4. QUINN MEINERZ, Denver Broncos Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. After being drafted in the third round from Division III Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2021, Meinerz has made steady progress each season and earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2024 to get on this list. Meinerz allowed just 12 pressures last season, according to PFF, and is a violent blocker in the run game. 5. QUENTON NELSON, Indianapolis Colts Nelson's play has dropped a little in recent years but the 29-year-old is still one of the top guards in the league. He was an All-Pro his first three seasons after being drafted sixth overall in 2018 and earned second-team All-Pro honors for the second time in his career last season. Nelson has made the Pro Bowl all seven seasons. ___ AP NFL:
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Gearing up for the Honda Indy Toronto
Video Indycar Safety Director Tim Baughman on what goes into making high octane events like the Honda Indy safe for drivers and fans.
