As the vote neared this week, multiple sources told ESPN that tensions at the union office were high. A union spokesperson told ESPN on Wednesday night: "We have received an anonymous email containing several allegations. Tretter told ESPN in an interview last year that he prioritized confidentiality because candidates' names had been leaked to the media in past elections. Former NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell Jr. resigned in July 2025 following a series of ESPN reports about his leadership. "JC got crucified, and I regret not standing up for him sooner," the executive committee member said.