A ‘scandal-plagued’ leadership disaster forces NFL players to turn to Hollywood to clean up the mess

The NFL Players Association has elected David White as its interim executive director, turning to a veteran labor leader with extensive experience in Hollywood to restore stability after a turbulent period. White, who previously served as the national executive director of SAG-AFTRA from 2009 to 2021, was voted in by player representatives from all 32 NFL teams on Sunday night.

According to Deadline, White replaces Lloyd Howell, whose tenure as executive director ended last month amid multiple controversies. Howell, who came from a finance background, led the union for two years before being forced to step down. His departure marks the end of what players described as a challenging period for the organization.

The previous leadership faced what NFLPA officials characterized as a “scandal-plagued” tenure that damaged the union’s reputation and effectiveness. Howell’s problems began when he was forced to resign from a consulting role at the Carlyle Group due to conflicts of interest after the NFL included the private equity firm among potential team investors, demonstrating how NFL-related controversies can damage careers and reputations. The situation worsened when reports emerged that Howell had expensed approximately $3,000 in spending at strip clubs using union funds.

White brings decades of union leadership experience to the role

White’s appointment represents a significant shift for the NFLPA, bringing in someone with deep roots in organized labor and collective bargaining. During his 12-year tenure at SAG-AFTRA, White served as both the union’s top executive and lead negotiator, overseeing contracts and labor disputes in the entertainment industry. For the past three years, he has worked as CEO of 3CG Ventures, an executive coaching and strategic consulting firm.

NFLPA President Jalen Reeves-Maybin expressed confidence in White’s ability to lead the organization forward. “We have full faith in David to take the union forward and operate in the best interests of our membership,” Reeves-Maybin said in a statement posted on social media. “David has spent much of his career fighting for collectively bargained rights in the labor movement and is committed to putting players first in all the union does.”

White faces immediate challenges as the NFL continues expanding its operations. The league is pursuing an 18th regular-season game and continued international growth, both initiatives that have raised player safety concerns, similar to how the NFL has historically implemented controversial rule changes. The NFLPA is expected to push back against these proposals, making strong leadership essential. White acknowledged the responsibility ahead of him, stating, “I am grateful to the NFLPA’s player leadership for entrusting me with the privilege and responsibility to guide their union as interim executive director. It’s a duty I do not take lightly, and I’m committed to re-establishing trust and ensuring the union is serving its members best.”