Dianna Russini Claimed an NFL Coach Was on FaceTime, But the Bodycam Shows Zero Calls

Alright, 12s, buckle up, because this story just dropped and it’s a total head-scratcher. Remember that wild anecdote Dianna Russini shared back in February, the one about FaceTiming an NFL head coach to get out of a texting-while-driving ticket? Yeah, well, the bodycam video from that very traffic stop just emerged, and let me tell you, what she said and what the tape shows are two completely different things. This isn't just a "he said, she said" situation, folks, we've got the receipts.

The Story She Told Versus What Actually Happened

Russini's original tale, which even got a nod in a New York Times article last week, painted a pretty vivid picture. She told the "Stugotz and Company" radio show that she used her connections to try and wiggle out of a citation. The implication was clear: NFL reporter privilege, right? But now, thanks to Adam Herbets of the Center Square, we’ve got the full seven minute, ten second bodycam video of the traffic stop, and it's a stark contrast to her account. There's literally no FaceTime call with any head coach

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anywhere in that footage. Zip. Zero. Nada.

What the Bodycam Footage Reveals

So, what *did* happen on that bodycam video? As the officer approached her vehicle, Russini launched into her defense. She stated, and I quote, "I’m an NFL reporter, and I just broke that Sean McDermott got fired from the Bills. And that I what I was just sending to send [sic], a tweet. I was gonna pull over, because I have to make calls. I know you don’t care, but I just wanted you to know my reason why." The officer, cool as a cucumber, responded, "Obviously you were on your phone for a while. . . . I understand you’ve got a job." But Russini wasn’t done. She then upped the ante, claiming, "You know who I was on the phone with? Brian Daboll. He wants the job." She even asked the officer if he was a Giants or Jets fan. Pretty bold, right? Except the video absolutely does not back up the "FaceTime an NFL head coach" part of her story. Not even close. This whole situation makes you wonder, doesn't it? When you're hearing stories from the media, how much is the actual truth, and how much is just, well, a good story? The video is out there now, and it's hard to ignore.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.