Bodycam footage from a January 19, 2026, traffic stop in Ridgewood, New Jersey, shows that former NFL reporter Dianna Russini did not FaceTime an NFL coach to get out of a ticket, as she had claimed earlier this year. Instead, the video shows Russini showed the police officer text messages from Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell.
The traffic stop occurred after Russini was observed using her phone while driving. Upon being pulled over, Russini informed the officer that she was an NFL reporter and had been texting about a breaking news story regarding the firing of Sean McDermott from the Buffalo Bills. She explained it was a work-related matter.
During the stop, Russini also mentioned having spoken with former New York Giants coach Brian Daboll, stating he "wants the job" in Buffalo. After the officer identified himself as a Vikings fan, Russini then showed him texts from O'Connell. She also made a comment about the Vikings' quarterback.
The officer ultimately issued Russini a verbal warning, citing her job requiring frequent phone use and encouraging her to wait until she was home to make calls. Ridgewood Police Chief Forest Ross Lyons confirmed that the officer exercised professional discretion, consistent with department policy, in issuing a warning instead of a citation.
Russini, who resigned from The Athletic in April amid controversy related to photos of her with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, had recounted the traffic stop incident on the "Stugotz and Company" radio show in February. Her account during the radio appearance stated she had FaceTimed an unnamed NFL coach of the local team to avoid a ticket, a detail not supported by the released police bodycam footage.