Lloyd Howell’s downfall wasn’t just about bad decisions. It was about betraying the very players he was supposed to protect. The former NFLPA Executive Director stepped down on July 17, 2025, after revelations surfaced that he buried collusion findings and used union funds for personal entertainment. Now the players’ union faces chaos just as training camps open.
Why Did Lloyd Howell Use Union Funds for Strip Club Visits?
The scandal deepened when reports emerged that Howell had expensed the union for trips to strip clubs. This revelation sparked outrage from former players like Robert Griffin III, who took to social media calling for legal action against the union.
“Instead of working to get players guaranteed contracts and lifetime health benefits, NFLPA Executive Director Lloyd Howell was using NFLPA funds to visit strip clubs and get VIP rooms at Magic City,” Griffin posted on X. “After this and hiding the collusion ruling, the players should sue the NFLPA.”
Instead of working to get players guaranteed contracts and lifetime health benefits, NFLPA Executive Director Lloyd Howell was using NFLPA funds to visit strip clubs and get VIP rooms at Magic City. After this and hiding the collusion ruling, the players should sue the NFLPA.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) July 18, 2025
What Collusion Findings Did Howell Hide From Players?
Behind the scenes, Howell was suppressing information that players deserved to know. Arbitrator Christopher Droner ruled there was insufficient evidence of collusion by the owners, but his findings told a different story. The NFLPA actually won the grievance, with Droner writing, “There is little question that the NFL management council, with the blessing of the commissioner, encouraged the 32 NFL clubs to reduce guarantees in veterans’ contracts at the March 2022 annual owners’ meeting.”
Despite this victory, the NFLPA agreed with the league to keep Droner’s findings secret from its members. This decision raised serious questions about Howell and the rest of the NFLPA’s leadership priorities.
Read More: ‘It’s Just a Mess’ – Shannon Sharpe Makes Feelings Clear on Lloyd Howell Resigning As NFLPA Executive Director
The timeline of revelations painted an even darker picture. ESPN reported on this secret deal on July 9 and, on July 10, reported that Howell had a conflict of interest stemming from his work as a part-time consultant for the Carlyle Group, a private equity firm seeking minority ownership in NFL franchises.
Howell’s compensation with the NFLPA was reportedly between $3 and $4 million annually. Unlike his predecessors, DeMaurice Smith and Gene Upshaw, Howell maintained outside work commitments while serving as Executive Director.
Who Will Replace Howell as NFLPA Leader?
The search for Howell’s replacement has narrowed to two candidates. As of Saturday, Dianna Russini reported that JC Tretter, the Union’s Chief Strategy Officer, and Don Davis, the Chief Player Officer, are the leading contenders for Interim Executive Director.
All 32 NFL player reps were on a call last night to discuss the next NFLPA executive director. It’s shaping up to be a two-man race: JC Tretter, who has majority support, and Don Davis. There’s other names, but these are the lead candidates, per sources.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) July 19, 2025
The timing couldn’t be worse for the players’ union. This crisis has thrown the NFLPA into chaos just days before training camps open and mere weeks before the 2024-25 regular season begins.
Adding to the complexity, the NFLPA has no formal procedure for replacing an Executive Director. The current collective bargaining agreement between the league and the union runs through the end of the 2030 NFL season, meaning whoever takes over will face immediate pressure to restore player confidence while managing ongoing labor relations.