Former NFL insider Dianna Russini revealed on a podcast that she leveraged her relationship with an NFL head coach to avoid a traffic ticket, an incident detailed in a New York Times investigation.
Russini shared on the podcast 'Stugotz and Company' that she was pulled over for texting while driving and, with her two young sons in the car, contacted a coach to intervene. She claimed she told the officer she was attempting to report the news of the Buffalo Bills firing their head coach. To avoid a ticket, she then FaceTimed a coach, who spoke to the officer on the phone. Russini described the interaction as a "nasty play" that nevertheless "worked."
The New York Times investigation also brought to light other details regarding Russini's tenure at The Athletic, where she was reportedly paid close to $800,000 annually. The publication noted that bosses at The Athletic were displeased with Russini's podcast appearance, as she had not obtained permission to be on it.
Russini departed her role as an NFL reporter shortly after intimate photographs of her and New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel surfaced in early April. The investigation noted that The Athletic and Russini were in discussions about renewing her contract, which was set to expire at the end of June, at the time the scandal broke.
Both Russini and Vrabel are married with children. Russini has denied any affair with Vrabel, asserting in a statement upon her resignation that she stands by all her published work. Vrabel also initially denied the allegations, but later stated he had committed to counseling to be a better husband, father, and coach. He missed the third day of the NFL Draft with the Patriots due to this commitment.
The New York Times report detailed that Russini and Vrabel were together at the NFL's annual meeting in Phoenix the day after the photos were taken in Sedona. Witnesses claimed Russini brought drinks to a group including Vrabel and other coaches, and periodically sat next to him.
Russini, when contacted by the Times, cited "intense scrutiny and personal attacks" for the significant impact on her life. She requested her text exchange with the publication not be quoted, but her messages were included as no off-the-record agreement was in place. Russini reportedly objected to the inclusion of quotes via email to The Athletic's publisher and New York Times editors.
Frustration has reportedly grown among Athletic staffers over the ongoing investigation into Russini's relationship with Vrabel, which is said to still be weeks away from a conclusion. The Athletic's editor, Steven Ginsberg, initially defended Russini but later placed her on leave after "additional information emerged." Ginsberg stated in a recent staff meeting that the investigation is extensive and requires careful handling, with updates to follow when completed.
Russini has since been seen with her husband, Kevin Goldschmidt, in public. Vrabel has been married to his wife, Jen, since 1999.
