Sportscaster Dianna Russini faces harassment after Aaron Rodgers criticizes her report on Jets QB Zach Wilson’s concerns about injury and hesitancy to play.
Russini opens up about appalling comments from fans, including a death threat, and the impact it has had on her.
"When you use sources to try and assassinate someone's character like that report does for Zach I have a real hard time with that..
You're basically saying that this kid is quitting on the team and doesn't wanna play" @AaronRodgers12 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/b9WNCSIoKB
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 5, 2023
Despite her credibility as a journalist, Russini is disappointed by fans’ disbelief in the truths she reports, highlighting the need for respectful discourse.
American sportscaster Dianna Russini has been facing troubling harassment after her recent report was criticized by New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Russini, along with her colleagues Zack Rosenblatt and Jeff Howe at The Athletic, had stated that Jets QB Zach Wilson had concerns about the risk of injury and was hesitant to return to the starting position. During his regular appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Rodgers, who has a history of stirring controversy with NFL reporters and insiders, slammed Russini’s report and accused her of attempting to tarnish Wilson’s reputation.
During an interview on “The Dan Le Batard Show,” sports journalist Dianna Russini opened up about the negative experiences she has faced following her coverage of Aaron Rodgers’ criticism. Russini shared that she has received appalling comments from fans both in person and through social media, which have greatly impacted her week. Living in the New York market, she finds herself in the midst of it all and has to endure hearing it from disgruntled Jets fans even when she is dropping her kids off at daycare. Russini, who has built credibility over her years of covering the league, expressed disappointment in realizing that it’s not a matter of fans doubting the accuracy of her reports. Instead, the unbelievable nature of the stories seems to be the issue. She acknowledged that it is her responsibility as a journalist to uncover the truth and report the news, even when it involves situations like the Jets’ second overall pick expressing hesitancy or reluctance to play. Unfortunately, she also shared that one disgruntled Jets fan went so far as to send her a gruesome death threat, solely because she was doing her job and reporting the facts.
Regardless of personal opinions on a reporter’s work, it is unacceptable to resort to such behavior that makes others uncomfortable. Dianna Russini is widely regarded as one of the most dependable and trustworthy reporters in her field. She made it clear that she was only relaying what she had heard. However, Aaron Rodgers has a history of calling out renowned reporters if he disagrees with their statements. In the past, he criticized Ian Rapoport from NFL Network and Adam Schefter from ESPN. For Jets fans, this has been a disappointing year, as their promising season quickly deteriorated after Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in Week 1. With a record of 4-8, the Jets will need to win all their remaining games to have even a slim chance of making the playoffs.
