With NFL Players Association executive director Lloyd Howell abruptly resigning on Thursday night, the NFLPA needs a new executive director. Via Tom Pelissero of NFL Media, the NFLPA executive committee sent this message to players following Howell's announcement: "This evening,

Howell had been under intense scrutiny in a series of recent controversies and leaves the job after two years.

While the grievance decision had not been reported publicly before Thursday, the league says it informed teams at its March league meeting.

None of the actions that have come to light through recent reporting indicate a healthy union with the players' interests at the core of its cause.

The Players Associations of the five major sports in the United States are banning together in an effort to support college athletes.