Dashcam footage that surfaced online Monday appears to show former NFL insider Dianna Russini referencing a text exchange with Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell during a Jan. 19 traffic stop in New Jersey, according to footage published by The Center Square.
The video adds a new chapter to Russini's exit from The Athletic, which she left in April after photos surfaced showing a relationship with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. Both are married to other people.
The New York Times reported last week that Russini had mentioned FaceTiming an NFL head coach to get out of a traffic ticket during a February radio appearance, without naming the coach or team involved.
The newly surfaced dashcam footage indicates it was not a FaceTime call, but she did show the officer a phone exchange.
In the video, Russini tells the officer she had just broken news that former Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott was fired, and says she was on the phone with Brian Daboll about the vacancy. She then asks the officer whether he's a Giants or Jets fan. He replies that he's a Vikings fan.
Russini shows him her phone and an apparent text exchange with O'Connell before commenting on the Vikings quarterback situation.
At the end of the clip, she tells the officer, "Your quarterback sucks, though."
She was not cited.
Russini's remarks are widely believed to reference J.J. McCarthy, who started for the Vikings for most of last season before struggling. She had previously criticized Minnesota media for what she called overly favorable coverage of McCarthy heading into 2025, Sports Illustrated noted.
The Vikings signed free agent Kyler Murray this offseason and he is competing with McCarthy for the starting job.
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