NFL Draft Tennessee Titans Dianna Russini Mike Vrabel New England Patriots ESPN controversy Inside the NBA Titanic meme

ESPN has largely avoided addressing the ongoing situation involving Mike Vrabel, head coach of the New England Patriots, and Dianna Russini, a former reporter who now works for The Athletic. However, on Sunday, Inside the NBA—ESPN’s popular studio show—publicly weighed in with a humorous yet pointed jab.

Typically, Inside the NBA uses a "gone fishing" graphic to humorously signal the end of a team’s season. After the Boston Celtics lost to the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 7 of their series—despite leading 3-1—the show created an image featuring high-profile Celtics fans, including Vrabel and Russini, seated at the front of a boat in the iconic pose from the film Titanic.

The graphic was a bold departure from ESPN’s earlier reluctance to engage with the controversy. ESPN had previously avoided direct commentary on the incident, even as Vrabel announced in a statement to ESPN that he would miss the third day of the NFL Draft to attend counseling. Russini, who previously worked for ESPN before joining The Athletic in 2023, has been at the center of the story since the New York Post published photos of her and Vrabel together at a New York City bar on March 11, 2020.

ESPN has not commented on whether it is reviewing Russini’s past reporting related to Vrabel or his tenure as head coach of the Tennessee Titans.

Source: Pro Football Talk
Rudy Giuliani Hospitalized: Former NYC Mayor in Critical but Stable Condition
← Previous

Rudy Giuliani Hospitalized: Former NYC Mayor in Critical but Stable Co...

 DNC Chair Ken Martin Faces Growing Calls for Resignation Amid Financial and Leadership Crisis
Next →

DNC Chair Ken Martin Faces Growing Calls for Resignation Amid Financia...