‘Inside the NBA’ doesn’t hold back mocking Dianna Russini-Mike Vrabel scandal
'Inside the NBA' featured Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini in its 'Gone Fishing' graphic mocking the Boston Celtics' playoff exit, placing them in a Titanic-themed boat scene with prominent Boston figures. The inclusion references the scandal involving the Patriots coach and the former ESPN reporter, whose private relationship was exposed by Page Six. The segment aired during the show's first season on ESPN, Russini's former employer before her move to The Athletic and subsequent resignation.
- ▪'Inside the NBA' included Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini in a 'Gone Fishing' graphic following the Celtics' Game 7 loss.
- ▪The graphic depicted Vrabel and Russini recreating the 'I'm flying' scene from 'Titanic' on a boat in Boston Harbor.
- ▪Russini resigned from The Athletic after Page Six published photos suggesting a long-term close relationship with Vrabel dating back to 2020.
- ▪The 'Inside the NBA' show is in its first season airing on ESPN after moving from TNT Sports.
- ▪Vrabel is the head coach of the New England Patriots, and Russini previously worked at ESPN from 2015 to 2023.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Sports Entertainment ‘Inside the NBA’ doesn’t hold back mocking Dianna Russini-Mike Vrabel scandal By Bridget Reilly Published May 4, 2026, 7:53 a.m. ET This is a different kind of photo for Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini to be featured in. Following the Pistons ousting of the Magic in Game 7 on Sunday, the program followed on ESPN and revealed its traditional “Gone Fishing” graphic that mocks teams eliminated — and they didn’t hold back with Boston. Following the Celtics loss to the 76ers in Game 7 on Saturday, “Inside the NBA” showed a graphic of a boat in the Boston Harbor featuring Celtics star Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the Ringer’s Bill Simmons, John Krasinski, Mark Wahlberg, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck — all of which are typical Boston figures.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at New York Post.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from New York Post
