Newly released bodycam footage from a January traffic stop shows former NFL reporter Dianna Russini trying to avoid a ticket by pulling up text messages with Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell while also taking a shot at J.J. McCarthy.
After the officer revealed he was a Vikings fan, Russini joked that the former Michigan quarterback "sucks" while showing her messages with O'Connell in an attempt to skirt a citation.
This is incredible.
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) June 30, 2026
Did not have Kevin O'Connell being the "coach" from the Russini traffic stop but here we are. https://t.co/MahmCm1AP3 pic.twitter.com/2iuxcUcnuK
Whether it was the joke, the texts or simple officer discretion, Russini's efforts paid off as she received only a warning during the stop.
We like to think it was because she ripped on McCarthy, as her assessment of his performance wasn't exactly far off. Even with superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson as his top target, McCarthy struggled last season, completing 57.6% of his passes with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 10 games.
Nine is now in a quarterback competition with former No. 1 overall pick and 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Kyler Murray, who signed with Minnesota this offseason after seven seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. O'Connell told reporters in June that McCarthy and Murray have been "very professional" throughout what he described as a "transparent competition" for the Vikings. Murray is the heavy favorite to start in Week 1, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert.
Russini resigned from The Athletic in April amid an investigation into photos showing her with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, a former Ohio State star, at an Arizona hotel. While Russini and Vrabel, who are each married to other people, initially denied any wrongdoing, Vrabel later missed Day 3 of the NFL draft to attend counseling after more photos were published that showed Vrabel and Russini kissing in 2020.
