NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell Jr. has resigned from his role effective immediately, he announced in a statement Thursday night. 

The decision comes amid a myriad of controversies surrounding the executive in recent weeks. 

“Our members deserve a union that will fight relentlessly for their health, safety, financial futures, and long-term well-being,” he said in a statement. “My priority has been to lead that fight by serving this union with focus and dedication. It’s clear that my leadership has become a distraction to the important work the NFLPA advances every day.

“For this reason, I have informed the NFLPA Executive Committee that I am stepping down as Executive Director of the NFLPA and Chairman of the Board of NFL Players effective immediately. I hope this will allow the NFLPA to maintain its focus on its player members ahead of the upcoming season.” 

This is a developing story