What happened: Newly surfaced police bodycam footage undercuts the anecdote that opened the New York Times' recent feature on former Athletic reporter Dianna Russini, in which she recounted FaceTiming an NFL coach to talk her way out of a texting-while-driving citation. The footage indicates that exchange did not unfold the way it was described. The Times had presented the account as fact and paired it with a company statement branding the move 'unacceptable conduct.'
NFL·June 30, 2026 01:22 PM ET
Bodycam footage contradicts Russini's FaceTime account, pressuring New York Times
Russini's ticket story unravels, putting the Times on defense.
Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jun 301 min read
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