Dianna Russini debuted her new project with offshore gambling company BetUS on Wednesday. Again, Russini avoided addressing the Mike Vrabel scandal or taking any accountability.
She did, however, joke about memes related to the scandal.
“I’ve seen all the memes and comments … and some of you guys are really funny,” Russini said on the “Russin Report.”
She referenced a viral AI video showing her playing the saxophone alongside Vrabel. Russini said that if she played an instrument, it would be the saxophone. Later, she credited AI with making her look like an “L.A. 10.”
If there was one bright spot in the debut, it was that Russini didn’t plead for sympathy, as she did earlier in the week in an interview with People.
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During that discussion, she claimed she was the victim of “heartbreaking lies” and said she wanted to be an inspiration to other women.
Russini did not specify which claims about her were “lies.”
Considering there is photographic evidence of her and Vrabel together dating back seven years, it is hard to dispute that she failed to disclose a personal relationship, romantic or otherwise, with someone she covered and used as a source. That undisclosed relationship was the reason The Athletic gave for finding her in violation of company standards.
Judging by the reaction from various members of the media, Russini did little this week to improve perceptions of her. She continues to handle this poorly, as if she truly believes she did nothing wrong.
That is why the outlook for her new project could be dim.
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ESPN’s Dianna Russini was photographed for 201 Magazine at Northern Valley Regional High School in Old Tappan, N.J., on Aug. 24, 2020. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Unsurprisingly, her first episode drew substantial interest. The website hosting the show, BetUS TV, crashed because of the traffic. The reason for that interest was obvious: People wanted to see whether she would address the scandal. Because she didn’t, that interest is unlikely to carry over to future episodes.
Can Russini generate enough interest by discussing football? Given concerns about her credibility and criticism of her lack of accountability, that could be difficult.
Entertaining an audience requires different skills than breaking NFL news. Most successful hosts build a connection with their audience through trust and authenticity.
That will be a hard sell for Dianna Russini.
Split showing Patriots coach Mike Vrabel and NFL reporter Dianna Russini. (Getty Images)
She has become increasingly unlikable and cringeworthy since the scandal began. She talks down to her audience as if she expects everyone to accept that she was simply a victim.
She wasn’t. And no honest person could think she was.
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Let us know: Do you have any interest in watching Russini host a weekly podcast?