Former NFLPA Head Lloyd Howell Resigns From Carlyle Amid Conflict Scandal

Lloyd Howell Jr., the former executive director of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), has resigned from his part-time consulting role at the Carlyle Group amid mounting criticism and potential conflict of interest concerns. Howell's role at Carlyle, which was approved by the NFL to invest in minority ownership of NFL teams, raised ethical questions given his simultaneous leadership of the players' union. His tenure at the NFLPA was further marred by controversy, including an arbitrator's ruling on collusion that surprised players, a federal investigation into union finances, and revelations of union expenses covering visits to strip clubs. Despite initial resistance, Howell stepped down from both the NFLPA and Carlyle following internal and public pressure, with union leadership acknowledging that his continued presence had become a distraction. Carlyle confirmed Howell's resignation but declined to provide details, while the NFLPA has not commented extensively on the matter. The situation highlights ongoing tensions within the NFLPA regarding leadership, transparency, and potential conflicts with private equity interests in the league.