Dianna Russini, an NFL insider, faced backlash from New York Jets fans after publishing an article exposing the organization’s dysfunction earlier this year.
The report, co-authored by Zack Rosenblatt for The Athletic, detailed a toxic culture within the team.
One Jets coach described the situation as a “mess,” and an AFC general manager even joked that Joe Douglas was serving as New York’s “assistant GM” to Aaron Rodgers.
Dianna Russini: New York Jets fans ‘in denial’ about ‘mess’ within organization https://t.co/2m3yy53tYO pic.twitter.com/eScLL6EfSc
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 6, 2024
When questioned about her reporting on the Pardon My Take podcast, Russini addressed the skepticism surrounding her sources, wondering if people believed that all 30 of them lied.
She described the fan response to her article as challenging, suggesting that Jets fans were in denial and preferred to label people as liars rather than acknowledging the severity of the issues within the organization.
Despite the backlash, Russini, who grew up in New Jersey, insisted that there was no animosity from within the Jets organization.
She expressed her love for the team and claimed to maintain contact with its members because they trusted the accuracy of her reporting.
Russini argued that Jets fans needed to face the reality of the team’s dire situation instead of blaming her for uncovering the truth.
She mentioned receiving criticism about the article even during a visit to the eye doctor, emphasizing that she would not downplay the severity of the issues in New York just to appease fans.
In the interview, Russini revealed that internal tension arose within the Jets due to Rodgers’ torn Achilles, ultimately derailing the team’s season.
The article highlighted a culture of dysfunction, with sources describing the situation as a mess.
Russini, who resides in New York, encounters Jets fans regularly who question her reporting rather than holding the team’s management accountable.
She clarified that her reporting process adheres to The Athletic’s editorial policy, which requires her to provide a list of sources to her editors for verification.
NFL insider Dianna Russini has faced backlash from New York Jets fans after co-authoring an article that exposed the team’s toxic culture.
In an interview on the Pardon My Take podcast, Russini expressed her view that Jets fans are in denial about the severity of the situation.
She believes some fans are dismissing the reports as false because they don’t want to accept how bad the culture is.
Russini’s reporting shed light on internal tensions caused by quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ injury, which had a significant impact on the team’s season.
Despite facing criticism from Jets fans, Russini stands by the accuracy of her work, emphasizing her thorough research with 30 sources.
She believes those who can’t accept the truth are a lost cause.
Fans reacted as follows:
But @DMRussini – when aren’t Jets fans in denial about a ‘mess’ within the organization? 😂
— Michael Hauff (@TheFFRealist) March 6, 2024
Can the media stop talking about this team that has the 2nd or 3rd worst record in the NFL over the last 10 seasons. Guarantee you they have 2x the press coverage as the @Giants since 2007 (who have 2 Super Bowl wins in that span)
— Keith Hawkins (@kfreddiehawk) March 6, 2024
So now she's attacking jets fans in addition to the organization? Like we're in the room and meetings? Diana, how many more months until you've built your career up enough destroying the jets that some other outlet will hire you away from NY area?
— LGVD (@stownv) March 6, 2024
Who the heck is in denial? Jets fans know this better than anyone. Shhh.
— Joshua Sipkin (@joshuasipkin) March 6, 2024
Everyone’s aware. Next big announcement will be that jets fans are dead inside.
— EMita (@EMita2323) March 6, 2024
Not me. I'm fully aware the Jets are a mess.
— Interstate2024 (@Interstate2024) March 6, 2024
I think Jets fans know better than anyone
— Charley S. (@charley047) March 6, 2024
Any Jet fan with a brain knows this is all true lmao idk why the fanbase is outraged. Our HC is a clown who’s sole talent is running the stairs before games, the GM can’t evaluate talent on the offensive side of the ball and the owners the worst owner in sports. It’s a mess
— Eashk (@EashkIAI) March 6, 2024
Wrong. Jet fans have Stockholm Syndrome.
— Philip Rooney II (@PADR_II) March 6, 2024
Hahaha no…. @DMRussini
She just completely makes up sources and writes misinformation to get wayyy more clicks and views than she ever has in her career.
She’s a horrible reporter and everyone knows not to read her bullshit
— Doscinco 25 Media Productions (@Doscinco25MP) March 6, 2024
