Bodycam Refutes Dianna Russini’s FaceTime Claim, Shows Kevin O'Connell Texts in 2026 Traffic Stop
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 1
Bodycam Refutes Dianna Russini’s FaceTime Claim, Shows Kevin O'Connell Texts in 2026 Traffic Stop
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 1
Summary
Seven minutes of Ridgewood police bodycam footage showed Dianna Russini did not FaceTime anyone during a Jan. 19 traffic stop, contradicting her February account of how she avoided a cellphone ticket.
Instead, Russini showed the officer text messages with Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell after learning he was a Minnesota fan, while explaining she had been using her phone for NFL reporting work.
The officer said Russini had been on her phone "for a while" but issued only a verbal warning at 9:40 a.m. after reviewing her driving history; police said that discretion matched department policy.
The footage adds to scrutiny around Russini, who resigned from The Athletic in April after her relationship with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel triggered a broader controversy over source ties.