Howell reportedly was asked by a union lawyer to consider resigning for conflict-of-interest reasons, but he remains a consultant to the Carlyle Group.

Howell went on to note that his presence has become a "distraction" and ultimately prompted his decision to step away.

The latest issue was an ESPN report Thursday that revealed two player representatives who voted for Howell were not aware that he was sued in 2011 for sexual discrimination and retaliation while he w...