PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 10: ESPN sideline reporter Dianna Russini looks on during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 10, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA. Photo by Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire NFL: NOV 10 Rams at Steelers PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxRUSxSWExNORxDENxONLY Icon19111018938
PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 10: ESPN sideline reporter Dianna Russini looks on during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 10, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA. Photo by Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire NFL: NOV 10 Rams at Steelers PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxRUSxSWExNORxDENxONLY Icon19111018938
Jul 1, 2026, 4:50 AM CUT
Dianna Russini disrespects J.J. McCarthy in newly released bodycam footage
Bodycam footage from a January traffic stop has put veteran NFL reporter Dianna Russini back in the spotlight after her interaction with a police officer. According to footage released by The Center Square, Russini was asked questions for allegedly using her phone.
She explained that she had been working on breaking NFL news. As the conversation shifted to football, the officer revealed he was a Minnesota Vikings fan. Then Russini pulled up text messages with Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell.
The officer who pulled over Russini went on to say, "I'm a Vikings fan, unfortunately." To which Russini replied, "Their quarterback [JJ McCarthy] s****.”
November 26, 2022, Columbus, Ohio, USA: JJ McCarthy from University of Michigan runs for a first down at Ohio State University vs University of Michigan at Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio November 26, 2022.Michigan wins 45-23 and moves to 12-0 and onto the Big Ten Championship vs Purdue University. Columbus USA - ZUMAd165 20221126_zsp_d165_005 Copyright: xDavidxDonoherx
November 26, 2022, Columbus, Ohio, USA: JJ McCarthy from University of Michigan runs for a first down at Ohio State University vs University of Michigan at Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio November 26, 2022.Michigan wins 45-23 and moves to 12-0 and onto the Big Ten Championship vs Purdue University. Columbus USA - ZUMAd165 20221126_zsp_d165_005 Copyright: xDavidxDonoherx
According to a report by Elevenwarriors, she ripped on J.J. McCarthy, who remains part of Minnesota's quarterback competition after struggling last season. During that season, he completed 57.6% of his passes with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 10 games.
Russini showed the officer a text conversation with O'Connell. But the bodycam footage does not show her making a FaceTime call with an NFL coach.
Before the football conversation, Russini also explained why she had been using her phone.
"I'm an NFL reporter, and I just broke that Sean McDermott got fired from the Bills. And that is what I was just sending, a tweet. I just pulled over because I have to make calls. I know you don't care, but I just wanted you to know my reason why," Russini told the officer.
The officer ultimately decided not to issue a citation and instead let Russini off with a warning.
Albert Breer questions New York Times' reporting on Russini
The release of the bodycam footage also brought attention to the broader discussion surrounding Russini and the recent reporting about her.
NFL insider Albert Breer recently criticized how The New York Times handled parts of its reporting on Russini during an appearance on the Toucher & Hardy radio show.
"The one thing that kinda jumped out at me was them putting her on the record with the text messages," Breer said. "Maybe the way that people who cover sports do their jobs is a lot different, but I would never do what they did there."
Breer said reporters should always make it clear when conversations are on the record.
"I always say to the people I cover, if you're on the record with me, you'll know it. She thinks they're negotiating whether she's gonna talk and it's like, 'Ha, that was on the record.' I just think that was kind of cheap."
The bodycam footage has now added another layer to the discussion surrounding Russini, while her remark about McCarthy has quickly become one of the biggest talking points from the newly released video.
Read more at the Michigan Football Community
Written by
Evince Das
Edited by
Shubhi Rathore