The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has placed Heather McPhee, one of its top lawyers, on paid administrative leave following multiple employee complaints. McPhee, who has been with the NFLPA since 2009, faces allegations of failing to follow supervisors' directions, bullying colleagues, and disrupting the union's work environment.

Background of the Investigation

McPhee's allegations earlier this year prompted a federal investigation into the financial dealings of the NFLPA and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) in relation to OneTeam Partners, their $2 billion licensing company. This investigation has raised significant concerns about the governance and financial integrity of both unions.

Internal Complaints and Leadership Changes

Among those filing complaints about McPhee's alleged workplace conduct was Matt Curtin, head of NFL Players Inc., the licensing arm of the union, and a member of the OneTeam board. The NFLPA has hired an outside firm, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, to investigate these allegations.

Federal and Internal Investigations

Besides the federal inquiry, a separate investigation into the leadership of recently departed NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell Jr. and other union governance issues is being conducted by Ron Machen, a lawyer hired by a special committee of players. Howell resigned in July following a series of ESPN stories detailing his misuse of union funds.

OneTeam Partners and Legal Jeopardy

McPhee had urged the NFLPA to investigate claims that OneTeam board members had allocated equity shares to themselves. The NFLPA eventually hired attorney Richard Smith to investigate the OneTeam arrangement. Smith's audit concluded in March, with McPhee alleging that Howell had improperly shut it down.

Ongoing Federal Investigation

The scope of the federal criminal investigation remains unknown, but multiple football and baseball players have been contacted by the FBI, and the investigation is ongoing. McPhee has not been deemed a whistleblower in the FBI case, meaning she would not receive a whistleblower's legal protections.

Interim Leadership

David White, the former leader of the SAG-AFTRA union for film industry production employees, was elected as the NFLPA's interim executive director on August 4. The union continues to navigate these turbulent times as investigations proceed.