The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) issued a statement on Sunday expressing its support for Lloyd Howell, the executive director, who has recently faced allegations of a conflict of interest due to his simultaneous role as a paid consultant for an equity firm approved to invest in the NFL. This situation has raised questions about his future with the organization.

Howell is a part-time consultant for The Carlyle Group, a private equity firm that operates under league approval to acquire a minority share in an NFL team.

The NFLPA’s statement, attributed to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reading:

“As members of the NFLPA Executive Committee, we categorically reject false reports insinuating doubts within this committee or suggestions that we have asked our Executive Director to step down. We further reject attempts to mischaracterize the committee’s views or divide our membership. We will not rush to judgment as we work to assess the issues at hand.”

The statement emphasizes their commitment to collaborating with Howell and highlights their plans to continue representing the interests of the players as they enter the 2025 season.

Regarding Howell’s decision not to leave the firm despite advice from a union lawyer to avoid any perceptions of a conflict of interest, it’s reported that Howell joined Carlyle in March 2023 and was employed by the NFLPA shortly thereafter.

His term extends for five years, with this season marking his third year.