We are locked and loaded getting ready for the NFL Draft, and T.J. Rives is joined by Last Word on Sports media writer Tyler Jones for the Last Word on Sports Media podcast. T.J. and Tyler looks at everything involving the sports media landscape, starting with the relationship between Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and now-former senior NFL insider Dianna Russini of The Athletic.
Vrabel Finally Speaks About The Pictures
It’s been more than two weeks since the New York Post released the photos of Vrabel and Russini at an adults-only resort in Arizona that were taken in March. Since then we’ve gotten a terse statement from Vrabel, and Russini has resigned from her position after The Athletic announced they were launching an investigation. On the eve of the NFL Draft, Vrabel had to take the podium and address in person the allegations. T.J. noted that the head coach spoke for over two minutes, but danced around any admission or denial, just saying that he had to have tough conversations with his family and players.
“For Vrabel this is one of those deals where nothing really happens to him,” Tyler said. “He’s the one that is going to be okay with all this. Russini’s career is the one that’s in shambles, and it’s two different situations.”
T.J. also mentioned ESPN’s Ben Strauss’ story, which detailed how the Post went to both Russini’s house and to the Patriots to tell them both they had the photos and asked for a statement, along with the aftermath, while Tyler thinks Russini’s career as an NFL insider is likely over, her work in sports media may not be, mentioning how Fox Sports Radio host Jon “Stugotz” Weiner has said that he would be willing to offer her a spot on his radio show and podcast.
Other Sports Media Stories For The Week
The guys then pivoted to the upcoming NFL Draft, and the dual coverage ESPN is offering as the event will be covered on both the network and NFL Network (which is owned now by ESPN) with separate sets and separate hosts. They get into the top picks, particularly Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who is expected to go first overall to the Raiders, skipping the event and choosing to stay home.
Finally, T.J. and Tyler get to ESPN’s broadcast of Wrestlemania, the WWE’s signature event of the year, held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas over a two-night span for the second straight year. They break down attendance (way down), number of commercials (way up), and how the network appeared to have oversaturated its coverage of the event.
