Police bodycam footage appeared to refute a claim made by former NFL reporter Dianna Russini earlier this year about what she did to get out of a traffic ticket.
Russini, whose relationship with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel led to her resigning from her role with The Athletic in April, said on the “Stugotz and Company” show back in February that she FaceTimed the NFL coach, though she didn’t drop the name, of the officer’s favorite team after being pulled over for being on her phone.
It was a story that came up again during the New York Times’ deep dive into the Russini-Vrabel controversy, and now police bodycam footage has confirmed that wasn’t the case. However, she did name-drop a coach.
ESPN reporter Dianna Russini during the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Sept. 16, 2018.(Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire)
The footage went just over seven minutes long, as Russini was stopped in Ridgewood, New Jersey, for using her phone while driving. Not only did a FaceTime never happen, but no call at all occurred during the exchange between Russini and the officer.
What did occur, though, was Russini showing the officer texts she had been having with Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, and she showed the officer her phone with the texts on it.
“I’m an NFL reporter, and I just broke that Seam McDermott got fired from the Bills,” Russini told the officer almost immediately, understanding why she was being pulled over. “I was gonna pull over because I have to make calls. I know you don’t care, but I’m just letting you know my reason why. It was a work thing and it was an emergency for what I do.”
McDermott was fired the morning of Jan. 19, which was the date shown on the bodycam footage, after the Bills’ AFC Divisional Round loss to the Denver Broncos.
The officer replied that Russini had been on her phone “for a while” before pulling her over, though he did acknowledge she had a job to do.
Russini continued, telling the officer that former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll “wants the job” with the Bills. He was connected to the team given his history with Buffalo prior to joining the Giants, but they hired in-house, with Joe Brady being promoted from offensive coordinator to head coach. Daboll ended up joining Robert Saleh’s staff as offensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans.
Advertisement
Dianna Russini and Mike Vrabel are shown in a split composite image featuring Russini with an ESPN microphone and Vrabel on the Titans sideline wearing a headset.(Imagn Images)
Russini, then, asked if the officer was a Giants or Jets fan given the New Jersey ties. When he responded by saying he was a Vikings fan, it prompted Russini to seemingly show texts with O’Connell. The conversation, which included Russini saying the Vikings’ quarterback “sucks” and “KOC’s awesome,” ultimately led to the officer letting her off with a warning.
“I’m gonna cut you a break on the cellphone,” the officer was heard saying. “I understand your job requires you to be on the phone a lot. Just try to wait until you get home, OK?”
The Center Square first reported Russini’s interaction with the officer.
Advertisement
Fox News Digital reached out to Russini and the Vikings for comment.
Ridgewood Police Chief Forest Lyons issued a statement on the matter.
“On January 19, 2026, at 9:40 a.m., a Ridgewood police officer conducted a motor vehicle stop on Godwin Avenue involving Ms. Dianna Russini for the use of a handheld cell phone while driving,” the statement read. “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.
Dianna Russini attends the Fanatics Super Bowl Party at Pier 48 in San Francisco, California, on Feb. 7, 2026.(Cindy Ord/Getty Images)
“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.”
Advertisement
Russini resigned from her post at The Athletic amid mounting criticism over her relationship with Vrabel after photographs of them hugging and holding hands at a private resort in Sedona, Arizona, went viral. After initially trying to downplay it, saying “reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues,” Russini ultimately released her resignation.
After the original photos, others dating back to 2020 showed Vrabel and Russini kissing at a bar in New York City. The pictures exclusively obtained by the New York Post were taken in the early hours of March 11, 2020.
“They were kissing, and they were all over each other,” an eyewitness told the outlet. “He had a ring on.”
Dianna Russini appears on the red carpet prior to the NFL Honors awards presentation at YouTube Theater in Los Angeles, Calif., on Feb. 10, 2022.(Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports)
While Russini resigned, Vrabel was back with the Patriots after a counseling visit, which fell on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Vrabel said he had difficult conversations with his family, while also speaking with his players about the situation. The Patriots said before the draft they “fully support” Vrabel, allowing him to seek the counseling he desired despite four rounds of the draft still remaining.
Felix Auger-Aliassime celebrated Canada Day with a victory.
The Montreal native won his second-round Wimbledon match 7-6 (2), 6-3, 7-5 over Croatia’s Dino Prizmic on Wednesday.
Auger-Aliassime, seeded third, has yet to drop a set through two matches at the All England Club.
He will next face U.S. qualifier Michael Zheng, who upset England’s Cam Norrie in Round 1.
Advertisement
Auger-Aliassime fired 15 aces to beat Prizmic against just three for the Croatian, winning 86 per cent of points on his first serve. He also converted on two of four break-point opportunities without giving up a break himself.
Just one other Canadian remains alive in the singles draws with Gabriel Diallo set to face Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego in a second-round match on Thursday.
Ottawa’s Gabriela Dabrowski will open play with Brazilian partner Luisa Stefani as the No. 2 seed in women’s doubles on Thursday.
Stevenson has won all 25 of his fights to date, claiming world honours at featherweight, super featherweight, lightweight, and super lightweight since making his debut back in April 2017.
His last triumph came against Lopez himself, earning a one-sided unanimous decision victory at Madison Square Garden in New York back in January to win the WBO title at 140lbs.
Advertisement
While Lopez was unable to get the better of Stevenson, he has now named the man who he feels has what it takes to end that unbeaten record.
In a feature with Daily Mail Sport, Lopez was discussing several possible match-ups in the welterweight division, where he was asked to predict who would win in a battle between Stevenson and current WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney.
“I think Devin Haney.”
Haney previously reigned as undisputed lightweight champion before then holding the WBC super-lightweight title, and he became a three-division world champion in November when he earned the WBO welterweight strap with a dominant points win over Brian Norman Jr.
Stevenson and Haney have been linked to a fight with one another for several months, but one sticking point appears to be the 144lb catchweight offer that has been bandied about the two camps.
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores surveys the field before kickoff at U.S. Bank Stadium, on Dec. 29, 2024, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Flores prepared his defense for a pivotal NFC North showdown against the Green Bay Packers, continuing to shape one of the league’s most aggressive and disciplined units. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-Getty Images.
If you believe Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is one of the top defensive coaches in football, you are not alone. NFL writer Daniel Rios ranked all playcallers on defense this week, and unsurprisingly, Flores got his flowers.
Rankings for defensive coaches are rare, but this go-around, Flores checked in at No. 4.
Vikings Defense Keeps Its Loudest Advantage
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores addresses reporters at the TCO Performance Center in Eagan, Minnesota, on Oct. 16, 2024, discussing defensive adjustments, accountability, and the continued growth of Minnesota’s scheme as the Vikings navigated the middle portion of their regular-season schedule under Kevin O’Connell’s staff with postseason goals still clearly in view. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
Flores grabbed No. 4 on Rios’s list, and he explained the placement: “Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores has completely transformed the team’s defensive identity since arriving. His aggressive approach forces offenses to play on his terms, using pressure packages and constantly changing looks to keep quarterbacks uncomfortable.”
Advertisement
“Few coordinators disguise pressure as effectively as Flores. His defenses often show six or seven potential rushers before dropping multiple defenders into coverage, creating hesitation and forcing quarterbacks into rushed decisions.”
Flores basically has a 100% approval rating among fans.
“Flores deserves credit for maximizing his personnel. Minnesota doesn’t always feature the league’s most talented defense, but its scheme consistently elevates players by putting them in a position to succeed,” Rios continued.
Advertisement
“The aggressiveness occasionally leaves his defenders vulnerable to explosive plays, but the overall results speak for themselves. Week after week, Flores creates game plans that completely alter how opposing offenses operate, cementing himself among the league’s elite playcallers.”
Deservedly So
The ranking won’t get any shade from any reasonable people, and if anything, it could be too low.
Since Flores took over the Vikings’ defense, it has fundamentally changed for the better. Here’s the money stat to know:
Advertisement
Vikings Defense, per EPA/Play, NFL Ranking:
The 3 Years before Brian Flores: 20th The 3 Years with Brian Flores: 2nd
Only the Cleveland Browns have a better defense since 2023, mainly because former Brown Myles Garrett is such a tyrant. Minnesota’s 2022 campaign was undone by a strangely poor defense, marshaled by Ed Donatell, but it put its foot down during the 2023 offseason and onboarded Flores. Since then, defense has become the team’s calling card, a sweet perk for a team with an offense-first head coach in Kevin O’Connell.
He’ll Have an Offense Next to Him in 2026
Advertisement
Suddenly, the Vikings can be a serious team again. The offense might be back. In 2025, Minnesota finished with a 9-8 record despite showcasing the NFL’s fifth-least-efficient quarterback play, courtesy of J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer. Interim general manager Rob Brzezinski signed Kyler Murray in March for $1.3 million, and he has the chance and the physical tools to unlock an offense that floundered last season and prevented a playoff berth. The Vikings were also a win away from taking the NFC North. That’s in play again with Murray in the house.
New England Patriots linebackers coach Brian Flores stands on the sideline against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Sep. 11, 2016, as New England’s defense worked through a narrow road matchup that ended with the Patriots defeating Arizona 23-21 under prime-time conditions in the 2016 opener. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Minnesota will also showcase these weapons, an upgrade from last year due to the Jennings free-agent addition:
Justin Jefferson
Jordan Addison
Jauan Jennings
T.J. Hockenson
Aaron Jones
Jordan Mason
Demond Claiborne
That revised group of playmakers could feast in 2026 if Murray lives up to his first overall draft stock in 2019. Flores’s defense won’t be asked to do it all — like last year.
Who’s the Best?
The league’s best defensive mind? Rios capitalized on Seattle Seahawks’ skipper Mike Macdonald’s Super Bowl triumph, naming him the top dog.
He wrote, “It’s hard not to have Mike Macdonald in the top spot after what he did last season with the Seattle Seahawks. He’s quickly become the NFL’s premier defensive playcaller after leading dominant defenses in Baltimore and Seattle.”
Advertisement
“He’s established himself as the coach every franchise hopes to find when building a championship defense. Macdonald’s greatest strength is unpredictability. His defense rarely shows quarterbacks the same picture before and after the snap, using disguised coverages, simulated pressures and changing personnel groupings to create confusion. Unlike aggressive coordinators, Macdonald generates pressure without relying on a ton of blitzes.”
Former Vikings Sam Darnold received much of the credit for the Seahawks’ unforeseen Super Bowl sprint, but the defense really did most of the heavy lifting.
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores watches from the sideline during NFC wild card action at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Jan. 13, 2025, studying coverages, personnel groupings, and situational tendencies while managing defensive calls in a high-pressure postseason road environment against the Los Angeles Rams that night. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Rios added, “He uses creative fronts and pressure packages to create one-on-one opportunities for pass rushers while keeping seven defenders available in coverage. What may be even more impressive is his adaptability.”
“Whether facing a run-heavy offense or an elite passing attack, Macdonald consistently adjusts his scheme to eliminate the opponent’s biggest strength. Combined with elite player development and good in-game adjustments, he enters the 2026 season as the NFL’s best defensive playcaller.”
Vic Fangio of the Philadelphia Eagles and Steve Spagnuolo from the Kansas City Chiefs checked in at No. 2 and 3, respectively.
Advertisement
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates her victory against McCartney Kessler of the United States in their second round women’s singles match, at Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
LONDON–World number one Aryna Sabalenka battled through a tough second set against American McCartney Kessler to reach the Wimbledon third round on Wednesday.
The four-time Grand Slam champion, who has reached 14 successive major quarter-finals, won 6-1, 7-6 (11/9) on Court One to secure a last-32 meeting with former French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko.
“That was a true battle and I’m super happy that I was able to stay in that second set to get into that tie-break,” said Sabalenka.
“She really tested me and I’m super happy to pass the test.”
Sabalenka has never won Wimbledon, losing in the semi-finals on each of her past three visits.
Advertisement
Kessler missed two set points when serving for the second set at 5-3 ahead, before Sabalenka fought back and took a tie-break, in which her 57th-ranked opponent saw another two set points come and go.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
With the WBA and WBO super-welterweight titles now in his possession, it appears that ‘Boots’ will either look to go in search of the other belts at 154lbs, or turn his attention to a long-awaited showdown with fellow unbeaten star Vergil Ortiz.
Advertisement
Ortiz is promoted by De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, but there have been legal issues in recent months that contributed to the clash between ‘Boots’ and Ortiz never coming to fruition.
It has been reported recently that those issues could be on the brink of getting resolved, with Ortiz said to be nearing a return to the ring.
With that in mind, De La Hoya has posted on social media praising Ennis for the performance against Zayas, before stating his desire to make ‘the biggest fight in boxing’ against Ortiz.
“Boots Ennis, what a great fight, you are a machine. Zayas a little inexperienced, but you will be back, you’re a great fighter. Let’s make the biggest fight in boxing today. Vergil Ortiz, Boots Ennis, let’s go.”
Chelsea ace Cole Palmer has vowed to deliver an improved performance for the club in the 2026-27 season following his FIFA World Cup snub. The England international was overlooked for the Three Lions squad to the Mundial after failing to impress for much of the campaign at Stamford Bridge.
Palmer posted a video of himself in training ahead of the commencement of pre-season, and he got a comment from a fan, hoping to see him back to his best. The midfielder responded with his usual assuredness, promising the fan that he will be back to his best for the new season.
Thanks for the submission!
Advertisement
“@dutchieroberts we will be there”, he commented.
Cole Palmer failed to make Thomas Tuchel‘s FIFA World Cup squad after an injury-hit below par campaign for Chelsea. The 24-year-old managed ten goals in 26 league appearances, with his tenth and final goal coming on the final day of the season. The Blues finished a disappointing tenth in the league following a collapse in the second half of the campaign.
Advertisement
Palmer delivered moments of brilliance, such as when he scored a hat-trick against Wolves in February, but he failed to perform consistently. Tuchel’s snub has enabled the talented midfielder to get a rare summer off for the first time in four years.
Cole Palmer promises a fresh start under Xabi Alonso and with his injury problems firmly behind him. The number ten for Chelsea helped the club to win two titles in the 2024-25 season, and will look to reach those levels in the new campaign, once more.
Chelsea set date for pre-season resumption for non-FIFA World Cup players
Chelsea have announced the date for their players to resume pre-season training ahead of the 2026-27 season. The Blues are set to launch a new era under the management of Xabi Alonso, who joined as a replacement for Liam Rosenior, who was sacked after just 104 days in charge.
The Blues will have their players back on Thursday, July 9, for the commencement of pre-season under Alonso. This does not include their players who are at the FIFA World Cup with their various teams, as well as those who have been eliminated from the competition.
Advertisement
Chelsea have a light FIFA World Cup contingent, with the likes of Jorrel Hato and Moises Caicedo already eliminated and Reece James injured. The likes of Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto, Trevoh Chalobah, Malo Gusto, Nicolas Jackson are all expected back a bit later following the tournament.
Alonso will enjoy the benefit of working with most of the squad from the start of pre-season, an opportunity that they were not afforded last summer. The players will proceed on a tour of Asia after a period of training in the club’s own training ground.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 30: Amanda Anisimova of United States acknowledges the crowd after victory against Lina Gjorcheska of North Macedonia during their Ladies’ Singles first round match on day two of The Championships Wimbledon 2026 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on June 30, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Amanda Anisimova is back at Wimbledon with a win and plenty of good memories.
Last year’s finalist opened her campaign with a comfortable 6-3, 6-2 victory over Tereza Gjorgcheska, marking a positive return after an injury-hit start to the season.
The American admitted it felt special to step onto the Wimbledon grass again after everything she has dealt with over the past few months.
Advertisement
Asked how it felt to be back, Anisimova smiled before saying:
“Yeah, I’m trying. I’m trying. It feels amazing.”
She explained that returning to the All England Club immediately brought back memories of her run to last year’s final.
Advertisement
“The second I got here I was flooded with great memories. I’m just trying to carry those vibes I had last year to keep me going here.”
After struggling with injuries and limited playing time this season, the victory was an encouraging way to begin her Wimbledon campaign.
Anisimova said she wants to enjoy every moment at this year’s tournament.
“Looking forward to playing. Gonna try and enjoy each day out here. I’m looking forward to the next one.”
Advertisement
The win sends the American into the second round, where she will hope last year’s Wimbledon memories can inspire another good run.
Supporters at a fan zone were visibly annoyed as players took a short break during the first half of the match
England fans were heard booing during one of the early hydration breaks in the first half of the World Cup match between DR Congo on Wednesday (July 1).
Fans gathered together at a fan zone at Depot Mayfield to watch the knockout match. The team were 0-1 against Congo at half time, but one thing left fans of the Three Lions annoyed.
Advertisement
During the first half of the match, players broke for a short water break, as they have been doing throughout the World Cup.
Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter
Fans were said to be ‘booing’ and ‘a bit annoyed’ over the break, which lasted for around three minutes. Time was then added on.
Videos posted on X showed large groups of supporters booing after the break was announced, which have already drawn much criticism during this World Cup season.
Advertisement
The tournament, jointly hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico, has seen the introduction of ‘hydration breaks’ roughly halfway through each half of the game.
These have been introduced due to the anticipated high temperatures at some stadiums, however they are taking place in every match.
Fans also took to X on Wednesday afternoon to share their frustration. “Two most annoying words in this tournament. HYDRATION BREAK,” one fan posted.
“I’m going to need a much longer hydration break to get through this England match!!,” another quipped, as a third posted: “these hydration break s*** is so stupid.”
The countdown to the 2026 T-Mobile MLB Home Run Derby is on. The annual showcase of the game’s top sluggers will take place on Monday, July 13 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
The full list of competitors is still being finalized, so check back as more names are confirmed.
Advertisement
RELATED: Watch the first round of the MLB Draft and the 2026 MLB Futures game on NBC and Peacock!
Caminero is back to avenge last year’s loss to Cal Raleigh in the finals. The 22-year-old became the first confirmed competitor after making an announcement on his Instagram account. After exploding for 45 home runs in 2025, the 22-year-old continues to establish himself as one of the game’s elite power bats. Entering Wednesday’s action, he has homered in five straight games. Caminero is a big reason why the Rays own the best record in the American League.
2026 MLB Home Run Derby Rules
This year’s Home Run Derby comes with some new wrinkles, as MLB has done away with the timer that has been used since 2015. Instead, the competition will go back to a swing-based format.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Here’s what to know:
Note: If a hitter homers on their final swing, they can continue to swing until they don’t homer.
One thing that isn’t changingThere is no bracket for the first round, as all eight hitters will compete within a single pool. The top four home run hitters will advance to the second round and seeding will be based on how many home runs were hit in the first round, with distance serving as the tiebreaker. In the second and third rounds, ties would be decided by three-swing swing-offs.
Matt Cardona knows a thing or two about the independent pro wrestling scene.
After his release from WWE in April 2020, Cardona rebranded himself as the “Indy God” after spending years as Zack Ryder. He spent years cultivating his new look through several independent promotions and top companies in the U.S. whose names aren’t WWE or AEW.
Matt Cardona enters the arena before competing against Trick Williams (not pictured) during SmackDown at SAP Center on April 10, 2026, in San Jose, California.(Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
There are several pro wrestlers on the indies currently who are finding success with their own branding and marketing as well. Cardona named a few in a recent interview with Fox News Digital when asked who he thought was the new “Indy God.”
“Who’s the ‘Indy God?’ Oh, I don’t know if anyone’s the ‘Indy God.’ But there are people who definitely have stepped up. For instance, Shotzi, who was in WWE at one time. When she left, I think she copied the Matt Cardona formula and good on her and we had some incredible matches together. She’s somebody who cares. I think effort is very, very important not just in independent wrestling but professional wrestling in general. If you aren’t doing whatever you can to succeed, like, if you don’t treat yourself like a big deal, I don’t think anyone else will. I would definitely put Shotzi on that list.
“Two others to look out for on the independents – Richard Holliday. He’s another one who is always on social media. He’s always trying to force himself down your throat just like I did when I was gone. When you’re not in WWE, you can’t take a day off of being on your phone. Like, Chelsea (Green), would always yell at me for always being on my phone, ‘You’re posting too much on social media.’ I said, babe, if you don’t want to be on your phone, WWE will post about you, WWE Shop will post about you, USA Network will post about you, ESPN, Netflix. If I don’t post about myself, no one is going to post about me. So, Richard Holliday, he’s taking that to heart.
Ben Bishop hypes up Richard Holliday at Awesome Championship Wrestling.(Jay Vogel)
Ben Bishop offers support to Richard Holliday at Awesome Championship Wrestling.(Jay Vogel)
Cardona shared some advice to those who were trying to follow his path.
“It’s funny because guys and girls in the independents, they’d always ask me for advice. The answer was simple – don’t quit,” he said. “Everyone has a different path. Everybody has a different journey but if you don’t quit… here’s what I would say, if you don’t quit, you might make it. If you quit, you definitely won’t. It’s as simple as that.”
Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login