The Dianna Russini saga took another turn when her anecdote about utilizing her NFL connections to get out of a ticket for texting while driving was debunked. The Ridgewood Police Department released footage of the interaction between Russini and an officer, showing that she did not FaceTime an NFL coach during the stop as initially claimed.
Crissy Froyd Blasts Dianna Russini After Bodycam Footage Drama
On Tuesday, former ‘USA TODAY’ reporter Crissy Froyd, who was fired by the outlet for her stance on the Russini-Vrabel matter, further piled on the ex-NFL insider in a scathing post on X.
“Remember when everyone said I was lying about Dianna Russini and/or jealous of her? I’ll be honest, I knew most of what’s come out about her, but some of the additional info that’s come out has surprised even me in the worst way. She doesn’t deserve to ever work in the industry I’m working in again,” Froyd wrote.
In the seven-minute footage released by the Ridgewood Police Department, Russini told the officer she was breaking the news of the Buffalo Bills’ firing of coach Sean McDermott. In addition, she claimed to have been on the phone with Brian Daboll, who was reportedly interested in the job.
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She then showed the officer text messages she exchanged with Minnesota coach Kevin O’Connell after the officer revealed that the Vikings were his favorite team.
“I think there are a lot of reasons she’s not saying anything right now. But part of me questions… I think she’d have to supply a lot of evidence,” Froyd said of Russini during an interview on Mike Drop. “I think after the indignant statement that she made, which has now been proven false entirely, and even what Vrabel said.
“I think a decent number of people will believe her but I think some people will go, ‘You have no credibility, and you’re a liar. You’re gonna kick and scream and say this about this person, but we’re not gonna believe you.’ I think she will have to show some legitimate evidence or have people corroborate her.”
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After the bodycam footage was released on Monday, Ridgewood Police Chief Forest Ross Lyons detailed the officer’s decision to opt not to give Russini a ticket after the NFL insider namedropped his favorite coach.
“After following department protocol during the stop and reviewing Ms. Russini’s driving history, the officer exercised his professional discretion and issued a verbal warning to Ms. Russini,” the statement read. “The use of officer discretion in determining whether to issue a warning or a citation is consistent with Ridgewood Police Department policy and longstanding practice.
“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.”
The bodycam footage anecdote was widely highlighted in the blockbuster New York Times article released last week, which blasted Russini’s journalistic conduct and is a key pillar of The Athletic’s investigation into the former NFL insider.