Lloyd Howell steps down as executive director of NFL Players Association

Lloyd Howell has resigned as executive director of the NFL Players Association, citing distractions his leadership has caused in recent weeks.

“Two years ago, I accepted the role of Executive Director of the NFLPA because I believe deeply in the mission of this union and the power of collective action to drive positive change for the players of America’s most popular sport,” Howell said in a statement released late Thursday night. “Our members deserve a union that will fight relentlessly for their health, safety, financial futures, and long-term well-being. 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.”

Former Little League star Mo’ne Davis to try out for new women’s pro baseball league

Mo’ne Davis is not done playing baseball.

The former Little League phenom who at 13 became the first girl to pitch a victory — and a shutout — in the Little League World Series, will be one of more than 600 players to try out for the Women’s Professional Baseball League set to launch next year, the league said.

Davis will join other women’s baseball stars like Kelsie Whitmore, the first woman to sign a professional contract with an MLB-partnered league, at the tryouts, which will be held in Washington, D.C., from Aug. 22-25.

Davis will try out as a pitcher, as well as at second base, shortstop and center field, per the league. Her decision was first reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer.

The WPBL is aiming to launch in the summer of 2026 with six teams and would be the first U.S. pro league for women since the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League — depicted in the classic film “A League of Their Own” — dissolved in 1954. Next month’s tryouts will determine the 150 players who will be selected for the league’s inaugural draft in October.

Construction halted at new Tennessee Titans Stadium after noose found at site

NASHVILLE, Tenn. >> Construction on a new enclosed stadium for the Tennessee Titans in Nashville, Tennessee, has been halted after a noose was found at the construction site.

Metro Nashville Police spokesperson Kristin Mumford said in an email on Friday that they are aware and investigating.

The Tennessee Builders Alliance, a joint venture partnership on the stadium, said it suspended construction at the site after the “racist and hateful” symbol was discovered this week.

“We are requiring additional antibias training for every person on site, and work will resume only after a site-wide stand-down focused on inclusion and respect,” a statement from the alliance reads.

The alliance has launched an investigation and is offering a reward for information leading to the identification of those responsible.

“We are outraged and deeply saddened by this act,” the alliance’s statement says. “We are working in close partnership with our client, trade partners, and unions to ensure every worker understands that racism and hate have no place here. Everyone deserves to feel safe, welcomed, and treated with respect and dignity.”

— The Associated Press