Police Bodycam Video of Dianna Russini Traffic Stop Released, and It Disputes Her Previous Claim

Newly released police bodycam footage of Dianna Russini's Jan. 19 traffic stop refutes her earlier account of how she avoided a ticket for texting and driving.

In February, Russini appeared on the "Stugotz and Company" podcast and claimed she was pulled over for texting and driving while breaking the news of the Buffalo Bills' firing of Sean McDermott. Russini claimed that she avoided a ticket by quickly setting up a FaceTime call with the police officer and the head coach of his favorite team.

Times Company spokeswoman Danielle Rhoades Ha said it was "unprofessional conduct" on Russini's end. However, the police bodycam footage of Russini's traffic stop contradicts the claim that she used a FaceTime call to avoid the ticket.

Adam Herbets of The Center Square obtained the bodycam footage of the interaction between Russini and a police officer in Ridgewood, New Jersey. At no point did Russini set up a FaceTime call.

After the cop mentions that he's a Minnesota Vikings fan, Russini shows him her text messages with head coach Kevin O'Connell (the texts were blurred out in the video). He then issues a warning to Russini, but no ticket:

"Listen, I'm going to cut you a break...I understand your job requires you to be on the phone a lot," the officer told her. "Just try to wait until you get home, okay? Keep me up to date with the Vikings, okay? Let me know if (O'Connell) gets a new quarterback, alright?"

In a statement to The Center Square, Ridgewood Police Department Captain Glenn Ender said the following:

"Police officers are encouraged to use their judgment and, when appropriate, provide motorists with warnings as part of the Department's commitment to fair, impartial and community-oriented policing."

Dianna Russini Resigned After the Mike Vrabel Scandal

Russini resigned from The Athletic (owned by the New York Times) on April 14, seven days after photos surfaced of her and New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel hanging out alone at an adults-only resort in Sedona, Arizona.

The pictures, taken on March 28, showed the two holding hands, embracing and hanging out by a swimming pool. After Russini's resignation, Page Six released more photos of her and Vrabel kissing at a New York City bar on March 11, 2020.

Before joining The Athletic, Russini worked at ESPN and NBC Washington.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published June 29, 2026 at 9:03 PM.