Criminal Investigation in the NFL Players Association
A criminal investigation into the finances of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has revealed possible misuse of funds and personal enrichment by union officials. This information comes from a confidential document obtained and shared with the executive committee and player representatives this week. The document, titled “Crisis Management,” was prepared by a lead union lawyer and details the magnitude of the crisis facing the NFLPA. According to the document, the union is “under notice of financial actions that may be criminal” and faces “immediate threats requiring rapid action.” The situation comes days after the resignations of CEO Lloyd Howell Jr., and Chief Strategy Officer JC Tretter. The memo highlights “immediate threats,” including possible actions by the National Labor Relations Board for “unfair labor practices” and a “breach of fiduciary duty oversight practices during Howell’s tenure.” The document does not specify which individuals are under criminal investigation.The document, marked as “privileged” and with the union’s logo on each page, indicates that the players’ association is facing a “leadership vacuum” and urges player representatives to take “prudent and definitive measures” to avoid judicial oversight of the NFLPA ordered by the Department of Justice. Howell’s two-year term at the NFLPA was characterized by apparent conflicts of interest and a culture of secrecy. The document also reveals the possibility of players suing the union over the January collusion decision. Furthermore, the document warns player representatives that there is no “oversight” of an investment advisor for the union’s discretionary funds, which amount to “$1.2B in FEES”. The 32 player representatives could select a new executive director as early as this weekend. The memo suggests to the players that “it might be prudent to ask an external person with a unique qualification to serve as the union’s Triage Manager.” The memo also indicates that none of the candidates for interim executive director should be required to pledge that they will not seek election to become the union’s permanent leader. Sources close to the union indicated that another possible candidate for the interim executive director position is DeMaurice Smith, who preceded Howell as leader from 2009 to 2023. A person close to Smith, who has written a tell-all book to be published early next month, said the former union chief is not interested in returning to the NFLPA.“The government is monitoring the response and could quickly increase and broaden the scope of the Justice Department’s criminal investigation.”
Confidential NFLPA document
