Feds probing NFLPA actions that 'may be criminal,' doc says - ESPN

A criminal investigation into finances of the NFL Players Association includes potential misuse of funds and self-enrichment by union officials, according to a confidential document obtained by ESPN.

The scope of the federal investigation was outlined in a memo, titled «Crisis Management,» drafted by a senior union attorney and shared with the NFLPA's Executive Committee and player representatives this week.

The document, confirmed by multiple sources who had seen it, says the union is «now on notice of financial actions that may be criminal» and that the union faces «immediate threats requiring prompt actions.»

The document, delivered just days after executive director Lloyd Howell Jr. and director of strategy J.C. Tretter both resigned, details the biggest crisis in the union's 68-year history. Under bulleted «immediate threats,» the memo cites potential action by the National Labor Relations Board over «unfair labor practices» and a «lapse of fiduciary duty oversight practices during Howell tenure.»

The document does not specify which individuals may be under criminal investigation.

Howell has not responded to multiple attempts by ESPN to reach him in recent weeks, and his attorney did not immediately respond to a call. When reached for comment Friday, Tretter said he's not under investigation.

A player who received the document by email said it contained «some things people should think about.»

«There's good advice about what we should think about moving forward,» the player said Friday.

A union spokesperson declined to comment. A source familiar with the memo said it is «reflective of one's person's views and recommendations.»

In May, ESPN reported that the FBI was investigating financial dealings involving OneTeam