The Dianna Russini-Mike Vrabel scandal has arguably been the biggest storyline of this offseason. Ever since the former NFL insider was photographed with the New England Patriots head coach at an adults-only resort in Arizona, the scandal has dominated headlines and become a tabloid circus.
Aside from being spotted on a cruise with her family over the July 4 weekend, Russini has been out of the limelight. However, there are still plenty of questions about the saga, and one NFL podcaster keeps asking them.
Will the Associated Press Release Dianna Russini’s NFL Awards Ballot?
Since the Russini-Vrabel scandal broke, one of the most outspoken voices has been Tony Farmer, who hosts the “Last Men Standing” podcast.
Now, Farmer is calling out the Associated Press for refusing to release Russini’s awards ballot for last year. Vrabel won the NFL’s Coach of the Year award, and Russini was one of the 50 voters. The AP released every voter’s ballot the previous year, making their decision to withhold Russini’s most recent ballot even more controversial.
“I got in touch with the AP writer who wrote the story about Dianna Russini resigning – and didn’t mention she was one of the AP’s awards voters,” Farmer wrote. “I was told he couldn’t comment and I’d have to ask my questions to AP corporate. I was provided an email address.”
Farmer says he reached out a whopping 74 days ago, but he still hasn’t received a response. He even sent a follow-up email, just to make sure his initial inquiry didn’t get sent to a spam folder or forgotten about. Still, “no response.”
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“I believe firmly the AP is hiding something,” Farmer added. “The AP could remove all doubt by [releasing] all awards ballots like they did last year. Instead it’s complete silence. Not even an explanation.”
I got in touch with the AP writer who wrote the story about Dianna Russini resigning – and didn’t mention she was one of the AP’s awards voters.
I was told he couldn’t comment and I’d have to ask my questions to AP corporate. I was provided an email address. It’s been 74 days,…
— Tony Farmer (@Tonysmarkettips) July 11, 2026
The Associated Press has also been silent on Russini’s status as an NFL awards voter in the aftermath of the scandal and her resignation from The Athletic.
The Athletic is currently investigating Russini’s reporting, and the findings are expected to be announced soon. Perhaps the AP is waiting for the results of the internal review before announcing or releasing anything.
If the AP remains silent after The Athletic’s investigation concludes, frustration will likely mount. One thing is certain: Farmer isn’t going to back down anytime soon.
