Dianna Russini’s viral traffic-stop story now has a bodycam update, and the footage appears to undercut the most dramatic part of her original version.
The former NFL insider previously said on a podcast that she avoided a texting-while-driving ticket after FaceTiming an NFL coach for the officer.
But TMZ reported that police bodycam footage from the stop shows no FaceTime call to Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell.
The stop happened in Ridgewood, New Jersey, in January after Russini was pulled over for using her phone while driving, according to TMZ.
The Bodycam Shows No Coach FaceTime
@nflmemes_tiktok This woman smh #NFL #DiannaRussini #Police #BodyCam #Vikings ♬ original sound – NFL MEMES
TMZ reported that Russini introduced herself as an NFL journalist and told the officer she had just broken news about Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott being fired. She then asked whether the officer was a Giants or Jets fan.
The officer said he was a Vikings fan. TMZ reported that Russini showed him a text exchange with Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, rather than placing a video call.
The Center Square reported that the text messages were blurred by Ridgewood police. The officer let Russini leave with a verbal warning.
Her Podcast Story Was More Dramatic
The bodycam became news because it differed from a story Russini told earlier on Stugotz and Company. In that version, she said she FaceTimed an NFL coach during the stop and used that connection to avoid a ticket.
TMZ reported that the footage does not show that call. The Center Square also reported that Russini later claimed on a podcast that she allowed the officer to FaceTime with his favorite NFL team’s head coach.
The seven-minute bodycam video instead shows Russini talking about NFL figures, showing the officer messages and leaving without a citation.
Police Defended the Officer’s Warning
The Ridgewood Police Department said the officer acted within department policy when he issued a verbal warning. The Center Square reported that Capt. Glenn Ender said officers are encouraged to use judgment and, when appropriate, issue warnings as part of the department’s commitment to “fair, impartial and community-oriented policing.”
The officer also told Russini that he understood her job required her to be on the phone often, according to The Center Square.
“Just try to wait until you get home, okay?” the officer said, according to the outlet. “Keep me up to date on the Vikings, okay?”
The Clip Arrives During Wider Scrutiny
The traffic-stop footage surfaced after months of attention on Russini’s professional conduct and her departure from The Athletic. People reported in April that Russini and New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel denied wrongdoing after Page Six published photos of them together.
The Center Square reported that Russini resigned from The Athletic during an internal investigation. Russini has denied wrongdoing in the separate Vrabel controversy.