NFLPA Faces Criminal Probe Over Fund Misuse
Union Grapples with Financial Scandal and Leadership Vacuum
A federal criminal investigation is examining potential misuse of funds and self-enrichment by NFL Players Association officials, according to a leaked confidential memo obtained by ESPN.
“Crisis Management” Unfolds
The document, confirming a deepening financial scandal, paints a dire picture for the union, stating it is “now on notice of financial actions that may be criminal.” This revelation follows the recent resignations of Executive Director Lloyd Howell Jr. and Director of Strategy J.C. Tretter.
The memo, shared with the union’s executive committee and player representatives, details significant “immediate threats,” including potential actions by the National Labor Relations Board for “unfair labor practices” and a “lapse of fiduciary duty oversight practices during Howell tenure.” The specific individuals under investigation remain unnamed.
J.C. Tretter stated he is not under investigation when reached for comment. Lloyd Howell Jr. has not responded to multiple attempts to contact him.
Government Scrutiny Intensifies
The investigation’s scope is reportedly expanding, with the document warning that government bodies “could quickly ramp up and expand scope of existing DOJ criminal investigation.” It emphasizes the need for the Board and Officers to demonstrate immediate action to address the extent of the issues within the union and its associated entities.
The memo, marked “privileged,” also highlights a “leadership vacuum” within the players’ association. It urges player representatives to enact “prudent and definitive actions” to avert potential Justice Department-ordered, court-supervised oversight.
Troubled Tenure and Confidentiality Breaches
Lloyd Howell Jr.‘s two-year term as NFLPA executive director was reportedly characterized by conflicts of interest and a culture of secrecy, as previously reported. The memo also references an arbitrator’s January ruling concerning owner collusion on player contracts, noting that Howell allegedly made a confidentiality agreement with the league to withhold details of the ruling from the union’s leadership.
Such actions could lead to the union being compelled to pay “direct or foreseeable pecuniary harms” caused by unfair labor practices, underscoring the potential financial repercussions.
Interim Leadership in Focus
A “triage plan” outlined in the document identifies five candidates for interim executive director, four of whom are former NFL players. This mirrors the union’s leadership prior to Gene Upshaw‘s tenure, which concluded with his death in 2008.
Among the internal candidates are former players Lester Archambeau (senior director of player affairs) and Don Davis (chief player officer), along with Chief Operating Officer Teri Smith. External candidates include former NFLPA Presidents Domonique Foxworth and Eric Winston.
The memo suggests that an external candidate might be beneficial given the uncertainty of the situation. It notes that both Foxworth, an ESPN commentator, and Winston, president of Winners Alliance, are accomplished former NFLPA presidents who may be willing to step into temporary leadership roles.
The interim executive director is expected to serve for approximately 12 months, with clear expectations and reporting structures to keep the Executive Committee and Board informed. The document also indicates that players might pursue legal action against the union concerning the earlier collusion decision.
Furthermore, the memo raises concerns about the lack of oversight for the union’s investment adviser, which manages “$1.2B YOUR DUES.” Player representatives are expected to select a new executive director soon, with the possibility of appointing an “uniquely qualified outside person to serve as the union Triage Manager.”
While DeMaurice Smith, who preceded Howell from 2009 to 2023, has been mentioned as a potential interim leader, sources close to him indicate he is not interested in returning to the role.
