--- title: "Megyn Picks Apart ABSURD Puff Piece on Reporter Who Allegedly Had Affair with Football Coach Source transcript | Megyn Kelly | Reclip.Me" description: "Full transcript of \"Megyn Picks Apart ABSURD Puff Piece on…\" from Megyn Kelly, November 11, 2026. 17 min, 2,828 words, timestamped. 8 notable quotes and 22…" canonical: https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript --- Transcript # Megyn Picks Apart ABSURD Puff Piece on Reporter Who Allegedly Had Affair with Football Coach Source From [Megyn Kelly](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly) · [Episode page](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source) · [Watch on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLuvSYYJc28) November 11, 2026 · 17 min · 2,828 words · 23 timestamped sections This is the full, timestamped transcript of "Megyn Picks Apart ABSURD Puff Piece on Reporter Who Allegedly Had Affair with Football Coach Source", an episode of Megyn Kelly published November 11, 2026 (17 min, about 2,828 words). It mentions 22 people, works and ideas, including Dianna Russini, Mike Vrabel, Megan Kelly, The Athletic, People. ## What this episode is about Megyn critiques a sensational, misleading puff piece about a sports reporter reportedly having an affair with a high-profile NFL coach, highlighting how the reporting mixes innuendo with private details to sensationalize a personal matter. The segment debunks the narrative by emphasizing the media’s use of speculation and image-dramatization over verifiable facts. ## Key takeaways - Bias and fame mingle: personal missteps become public theater, reshaping careers before the apology lands. - Conflict of interest isn't just ethics 101—it's a career derailment multiplier in high‑trust fields. - Spin vs. fact: investigations can validate rumors or legitimize nuance, but headlines often outrun conclusions. - Public forgiveness optics: narratives of accountability collide with personal branding and long‑term reputation. - Source‑journalist boundaries matter: relationships blur lines, audience questions credibility long after the scandal fades. ## Who speaks in this episode? - [Diana Rousini](https://reclip.me/speaker/diana-rousini) (Guest) · 10 min speaking - [Megyn Kelly](https://reclip.me/speaker/megyn-kelly) (Guest) · 7 min speaking ## What is discussed, and when 1. [0:00](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=0) – 3:00: [Dianna Russini](https://reclip.me/person/dianna-russini), [Mike Vrabel](https://reclip.me/person/mike-vrabel), [The Athletic](https://reclip.me/company/the-athletic), [Page Six](https://reclip.me/company/page-six) 2. [3:00](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=180) – 6:00: [Mike Vrabel](https://reclip.me/person/mike-vrabel), [The Athletic](https://reclip.me/company/the-athletic), [People](https://reclip.me/company/people), [New England Patriots](https://reclip.me/company/new-england-patriots-2) 3. [6:00](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=360) – 9:00: [Mike Vrabel](https://reclip.me/person/mike-vrabel), [People](https://reclip.me/company/people), [The Athletic](https://reclip.me/company/the-athletic), [Matt Taibbi](https://reclip.me/person/matt-taibbi) 4. [9:00](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=540) – 12:00: [People](https://reclip.me/company/people), [Dianna Russini](https://reclip.me/person/dianna-russini), [The Rini Report](https://reclip.me/media/the-rini-report), [BetUS TV](https://reclip.me/company/betus-tv) 5. [12:00](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=720) – 15:00: [Matt Taibbi](https://reclip.me/person/matt-taibbi), [People](https://reclip.me/company/people) 6. [15:00](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=900) – 17:09: [People](https://reclip.me/company/people), [Birch Gold](https://reclip.me/sponsor/birch-gold), [Megan Kelly](https://reclip.me/person/megan-kelly) ## Notable quotes from "Megyn Picks Apart ABSURD Puff Piece on Reporter Who Allegedly Had Affair with Football Coach Source" - > Diana Rousini. Now, Diana Rousini is probably not a name that is on the tip of the tongue for most of our audience, but she is a sports reporter. And the audience may remember she was in the. *about [Dianna Russini](https://reclip.me/person/dianna-russini) · at [0:00](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=0)* - > Matt, you see, they're both married to other people with kids. They were there as just friends and colleagues. She of course is a reporter and he is a coach. *about [Matt Taibbi](https://reclip.me/person/matt-taibbi) · at [1:49](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=109)* - > Let's see they did that investigation and the athletic released a report from its internal investigation that found the relationship gave the appearance of a conflict of interest and was in clear violation of the public's the. *about [The Athletic](https://reclip.me/company/the-athletic) · at [3:48](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=228)* - > Episode, but because I refuse to lend it further oxygen or let it define me in my career. Mike Vrabel switched his tune to I've had some difficult conversations with people I… *about [New England Patriots](https://reclip.me/company/new-england-patriots-2) · at [4:53](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=293)* - > Who they were. I don't even think the bartenders were aware, said the source. And this is when he was at a as the head coach of the Tennessee Titans and she was an NFL reporter… *about [Mike Vrabel](https://reclip.me/person/mike-vrabel) · at [7:15](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=435)* - > And we all know it is factual. It's obvious. And now she reemerges. Matt, in this puff piece in People magazine, Diana Rini reveals new NFL projects seven months after Mike Vrabel photo scandal. I'm not scared to get back in. *about [Megan Kelly](https://reclip.me/person/megan-kelly) · at [8:38](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=518)* - > Enter the Rini Report, a 1-hour show that will stream on Bet Us TV's website, an X and an X account beginning Wednesday, November 11th. Baha, this is what the show is going to be. *about [The Rini Report](https://reclip.me/media/the-rini-report) · at [9:25](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=565)* - > Realized inflation is still a challenge and it's time to diversify into gold and silver. Text MK to the number 989898 today and speak with a birch gold precious metals… *about [Birch Gold](https://reclip.me/sponsor/birch-gold) · at [16:31](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=991)* ## Who and what is mentioned in this episode? ### People - [Dianna Russini](https://reclip.me/person/dianna-russini) — Person · Primary subject · 3 mentions · first at [0:00](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=0) Central figure in the episode: sports reporter alleged to have had a personal relationship with a coaching source and the focus of discussion about journalistic ethics and a recent 'comeback' profile. - [Mike Vrabel](https://reclip.me/person/mike-vrabel) — Person · Referenced subject/source · 7 mentions · first at [0:30](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=30) Head coach allegedly involved in an affair with the reporter; his relationship with Russini is central to the ethical concerns discussed. - [Megan Kelly](https://reclip.me/person/megan-kelly) — Person · Host · 1 mention · first at [15:45](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=945) Host of the show; leads the segment criticizing the People profile and discussing journalistic ethics in relation to the Russini-Vrabel story. - [Matt Taibbi](https://reclip.me/person/matt-taibbi) — Person · Guest / commentator · 3 mentions · first at [1:49](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=109) Guest on the Megyn Kelly Show who discusses and criticizes the People magazine profile and the Russini-Vrabel situation alongside Megyn Kelly. - [John Weiner](https://reclip.me/person/john-weiner) — Person · Ally / collaborator · 1 mention · first at [9:45](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=585) Referenced as a friend/colleague (also called 'Dugats') who supported Russini during the controversy and is associated with a podcast she may contribute to. This is what the show is going to be about. it's going to feature somebody or she will also be a featured contributor on some podcast with a guy named John Weiner, better known… - [Bill Simmons](https://reclip.me/person/bill-simmons) — Person · Referenced podcaster · 1 mention · first at [5:58](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=358) Referenced briefly as someone Russini spoke with on a podcast where she discussed Vrabel, used to illustrate the prior public comments that fed controversy. All over social media. She said she did things in Miami I haven't even told my husband. She spoke about Mike Vrabel being head coach of the Patriots on a podcast with Bill… ### Companies & orgs - [The Athletic](https://reclip.me/company/the-athletic) — Company · Employer / publisher · 5 mentions · first at [0:16](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=16) Russini's employer at time of internal investigation; conducted a review and published findings about appearance of conflict of interest. - [People](https://reclip.me/company/people) — Company · Media outlet / subject of criticism · 13 mentions · first at [1:51](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=111) Published the profile (described here as a 'puff piece') about Russini's return to media; criticized by hosts for framing her as a victim and celebrating a comeback. And we all know it is factual. It's obvious. And now she reemerges. Matt, in this puff piece in People magazine, Diana Rini reveals new NFL projects seven months after Mike Vrabel photo scandal. I'm not scared to get back in. - [Page Six](https://reclip.me/company/page-six) — Company · Source / tabloid reporting · 3 mentions · first at [1:02](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=62) Cited as publishing photos and eyewitness accounts of Russini and Vrabel together at a resort, contributing to public disclosure of the relationship. Patriots. Yes. He was he moved to them to 20 2025. Football's not my world, but journalism is. And the New York Post found p pictures of the two of them at this posh resort in… - [Tennessee Titans](https://reclip.me/company/tennessee-titans-3) — Company · Team / context for story · 2 mentions · first at [0:30](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=30) NFL team Mike Vrabel coached during part of the timeline referenced; context for Russini's reporting beat and the alleged interactions. Who they were. I don't even think the bartenders were aware, said the source. And this is when he was at a as the head coach of the Tennessee Titans and she was an NFL reporter… - [New England Patriots](https://reclip.me/company/new-england-patriots-2) — Company · Team / later affiliation for Vrabel · 2 mentions · first at [0:39](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=39) Referenced as the team Vrabel moved to (contextual timeline), and part of the sports context surrounding the story. - [New York Post](https://reclip.me/entity/109868) — Company · Source of photos / tabloid reporting · 1 mention · first at [0:44](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=44) Cited as obtaining photos and publishing details of the alleged encounters, contributing to public exposure and narrative. Showing the pictures now. a boutique resort set against the breathtaking Brins Mesa Mountain Range. a page six by telling them that the pair had breakfast on the patio of the… - [BetUS TV](https://reclip.me/company/betus-tv) — Company · Platform for Russini's show · 1 mention · first at [9:25](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=565) Named as the streaming site that will host The Rini Report per the People profile. Enter the Rini Report, a 1-hour show that will stream on Bet Us TV's website, an X and an X account beginning Wednesday, November 11th. Baha, this is what the show is going to be about. it's going to feature. - [Racket News](https://reclip.me/company/racket-news) — Company · Guest affiliation · 3 mentions · first at [0:00](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=0) Identified as Matt Taibbi's outlet (founder), used to introduce his background and credibility in the discussion. You can pick yourself up, get back out there, and not be afraid. Because if you just do the work, Matt, and I hope to continue working at a high level, that's all that's going… - [New York Times](https://reclip.me/entity/109855) — Company · Referenced outlet · 2 mentions · first at [0:16](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=16) Referenced in the episode context as the larger organization related to The Athletic (not directly central to the conversation). But she is a sports reporter. And the audience may remember she was in the news last April because she'd been working for the New York Times offshoot, The Athletic, their… - [ESPN](https://reclip.me/company/espn) — Company · Former employer (context) · 2 mentions · first at [0:17](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=17) Referenced as Russini's prior employer before The Athletic; provides career background context. News last April because she'd been working for the New York Times offshoot, The Athletic, their sports offshoot. Her prior life had been with ESPN as a sports reporter, and she… - [Shake Shack](https://reclip.me/company/shake-shack) — Company · Employment reference · 2 mentions · first at [1:54](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=114) Mentioned in passing as Kevin Goldmid's employer or association as referenced in the People profile. The last six months for me is heartbreaking. At the beginning it was a nightmare. But people writes with the support of her husband Kevin Goldmid who is I guess with Shake… ### Places & events - [Sedona](https://reclip.me/location/sedona) — Place · Setting · 1 mention · first at [0:49](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=49) Location of the resort where Page Six reported seeing Russini and Vrabel together; used as descriptive setting in the scandal coverage. To 20 2025. Football's not my world, but journalism is. And the New York Post found p pictures of the two of them at this posh resort in Sedona. We're showing the pictures now.… - [Tribeca Tavern](https://reclip.me/location/tribeca-tavern) — Place · Setting (past incident) · 1 mention · first at [6:32](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=392) Named as the bar where earlier photos were reported to show Russini and Vrabel being intimate (March 2020) — part of the scandal's timeline. Pictures of the two of them in the dimly lit Tribeca Tavern in the early hours of March 11th, 2020. They sat close to each other while conversing at the bar. They shared a kiss. They were kissing. They. - [Miami](https://reclip.me/location/miami) — Place · Referenced location · 3 mentions · first at [5:51](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=351) Referenced as a place where Russini said she had experiences she hadn't told her husband — part of the personal revelations cited in the scandal coverage. Was average. She's married to someone average. If he was beautiful, he'd be all over social media. She said she did things in Miami I haven't even told my husband. She spoke… ### Media & podcasts - [The Rini Report](https://reclip.me/media/the-rini-report) — Media · New project / comeback platform · 1 mention · first at [9:25](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=565) Announced streaming show project for Russini described in the People profile as part of her return to sports media. ### Sponsors - [Birch Gold](https://reclip.me/sponsor/birch-gold) — Sponsor · Sponsor / advertiser · 2 mentions · first at [16:10](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=970) Episode sponsor mentioned in ad read; promoted precious metals investment and a Veterans Day silver offer with a clear call to action. ## Full transcript with timestamps [0:00](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=0) Diana Rousini. Now, Diana Rousini is probably not a name that is on the tip of the tongue for most of our audience, but she is a sports reporter. And the audience may remember she was in the news last April because she'd been working for the New York Times offshoot, The Athletic, their sports offshoot. Her prior life had been with ESPN as a sports reporter, and she was all over the news because it came out that she was obviously having an affair with the head coach of the Tennessee Titans, Mike Vrabel. She was 43, he was 50. [0:38](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=38) Thank you. Okay. And he moved on to the Patriots. Yes. He was he moved to them to 20 2025. Football's not my world, but journalism is. And um the New York Post found p pictures of the two of them at this posh resort in Sedona. We're showing the pictures now. Um a boutique resort set against the breathtaking Brins Mesa Mountain Range. um a page six by telling them that the pair had breakfast on the patio of the hotel restaurant around 10:30 Saturday March 28th before spending a leisurely hour or so together at the pool and lounging side by side by side in a hot tub. Our spy spotted them again that evening on the private rooftop of one of the hotels bungalows. Roofs are only accessible from the twoerson bungalows, which cost up to $2,100 a night. Photos show the two hugging at sunset and weaving their fingers together as they stand face to face. The spies said they saw the pair briefly dance together. They insisted publicly [1:47](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=107) that they were just there as friends. Matt, you see, they're both married to other people with kids. They were there as just friends and colleagues. She of course is a reporter and he is a coach. And I can't tell the audience how many times you and I have been at a gig covering the same massive news event, interlacing our fingers, briefly dancing together, hugging at sunset, hot tubbing together. This was what we know in the business as It was utter They were clearly caught, but it was a much bigger deal than just an affair, which let's face it, happens in life. The problem was she's a reporter and he is a subject slashsource. [2:40](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=160) And the reason I'm bringing this up now is that The Athletic, to its credit, began an investigation. Even though they were both denying it, she was being indignant. She the coach first said to page six, "These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn't deserve any further response." Then Rini said the photos don't represent the group of six people who are hanging out during the day. Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues. Again, this is all spin Reporters do not behave like this with their sources. I have never behaved like this with a source. [3:23](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=203) Everyone in the business knows this would be completely inappropriate to do. Um, so the athletic at first backed her and said the photos are misleading. They lack context. And then it quickly shifted to we're doing an investigation. We've we've got to investigate this and her coverage will be reviewed. And ultimately, hold on a second because this was this just came out. They uh let's see they did that investigation and the athletic released a report from its internal investigation that found the relationship gave the appearance of a conflict of interest and was in clear violation of the public's the publication's standards. Prior to that she pieced out of the publication saying I don't want an investigation. She in in a huff back in April, she said, "Eaccept this letter as my resignation. It's with deep sadness, but with clarity about what's right for me. Uh, the recent attacks against me uh have already been [4:26](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=266) addressed between us. I have nothing to add publicly to what we've said. I have covered the NFL with professionalism." Uh, she says, "I I'm I'm over this self-feeding speculation that is simply unmed from facts. I have no interest in submitting to a public inquiry that has already caused far more damage than I'm willing to accept. I've decided to step aside now before my contract expires. I do so not because I accept the narrative that's been constructed around this episode, but because I refuse to lend it further oxygen or let it define me in my career. Mike Vrabel switched his tune to I've had some difficult conversations with people I care about, with my family, the coaches, the players. Those have been positive in production. I never want to be the cause of a distraction. There are comments and questions I've answered for the team and with the team. We'll keep those private. [5:16](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=316) And then of course he sought counseling. Oh, cuz everybody goes to counseling. Okay. So, he sought counseling uh in order to move forward. Well, then it started to come out that there were pictures of these two. This, of course, was April of 2026 that this broke, but then it started to come out all these clips of her ripping on her husband in the nastiest ways that um she thought her husband was boring. She thought he was average. She's married to someone average. If he was beautiful, he'd be all over social media. She said she did things in Miami I haven't even told my husband. She uh spoke about Mike Vrabel being head coach of the Patriots on a podcast with Bill Simmons. Talked about shoving Vrabel down your throat. She made sure everyone knew she had to close her eyes when she had sex with her average husband. Um it like multiple comments and ultimately um ultimately she uh she was she had to face this tweet from August [6:25](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=385) of 2021. Okay, which is not that long after um 2020 when it emerged that there was a picture of the two of them in a bar getting very intimate with one another. Okay, so this is March of 2020, page six, obtained. This is in the last spring, but somebody gave them to them after the fact. Pictures of the two of them in the dimly lit Tribeca Tavern in the early hours of March 11th, 2020. They sat close to each other while conversing at the bar. They shared a kiss. They were kissing. They were all over each other. They reported she was he was already married and she was engaged. She was going to get married 6 months later. Um her legs were in between his. is it was a hole-in-the-wall bar. They were having a glorious time. They were giving each other pecs, a bunch of pecs constantly. [7:14](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=434) There was no one in there. No one knew who they were. I don't even think the bartenders were were aware, said the source. And this is when he was at a as the head coach of the Tennessee Titans and she was an NFL reporter covering them. And so this is 6 months before she gets married. Then she gets married and in August of 2021, she tweeted out, "I keep looking at my almost 4-day old son, Michael." Michael Michael while trying to figure out who are the best Michaels to ever play and coach in the NFL. Well, August 2021 is a good amount after March of 2020. when she was allegedly in that bar canoodling with Mike. [8:05](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=485) Yeah. With Mike Vrabel six months before she got married. And this these are I'm just listing some of the reasons why this became such a big scandal. It was a very big scandal. They denied it. If they had just said, "We did something. It's private. Don't want to discuss it publicly. We're dealing with it with our spouses." People would have left them alone. And then and then if she had said to the athletic, "I admit it. I'm sorry and I'm stepping down." that people would have accepted that. She didn't. She got indignant. She played the how dare you card. And this is not factual. [8:38](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=518) And we all know it is factual. It's obvious. And now she reemerges. Matt, in this puff piece in People magazine, Diana Rini reveals new NFL projects seven months after Mike Vrabel photo scandal. I'm not scared to get back in. And this is some of the pabum that we read in people. The best way to describe the last six months for me is heartbreaking. At the beginning it was a nightmare. But people writes with the support of her husband Kevin Goldmid who is I guess with Shake Shack and loved ones. Rousini navigated a turbulent stretch of her career and is now preparing to return to sports media. [9:25](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=565) Enter the Rini Report, a 1-hour show that will stream on Bet Us TV's website, an X and an X account beginning Wednesday, November 11th. Baha, this is what the show is going to be about. Uh, it's going to feature somebody or she will also be a featured contributor on some podcast with a guy named John Weiner, better known as Dugats. In a time when it was easy to pile on and I think people were enjoying watching my career fall apart, John was really bold and loyal and he was a friend to me. He said something that stuck with her. I need my friend to laugh again and I want to help her laugh again. I think this show is going to give me that opportunity. She says she's also found support from dozens of people in the NFL, team owners, agents, general managers, head coaches, and players, including, she wants us to know, star quarterbacks. The absolute best part of this situation has been the loyalty that [10:21](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=621) the NFL has shown me. They checked in with me almost daily while I wasn't working to make sure that I was staying connected to football, to check on me as a person, and to just see how I was doing. It became what Rini describes as a motivational tour. I felt like players were texting and calling me to say, "Get back to work. It's time." Okay, it's been six months. I think it's pretty poetic that here I was all these years telling the story about these players going through adversity and then they became sort of the people that I was learning from doing this. They didn't just call the week after things came out. They called all the time just to say, "Let's go." According to Rini, one player even texts her on his way to work at 500 a.m. to ask what she's doing to better herself and reminds her that you have to stay strong through hard times. [11:13](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=673) I'm using that, she says, as motivation and it's why I'm so energized. It's why I'm not scared to get back in because I know the people that I cover are welcoming me back with open arms. And then she goes on to add, "The lies, they became so out of control. This was a runaway train. There was nothing I could do to stop it. Once we realized nothing was going to stop it, it became unhealthy for us to read it." So, they unsubscribed from X. Um, one of the hard parts about this was that a lot of the work I was doing and the things that I've accomplished got lost. It quickly went from just one moment that people felt was true and erased years of work. [11:57](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=717) I would not wish this experience on any person ever. But through it all, I did get an opportunity to not just learn about myself, but my family and our priorities and maybe some decisions and things I was doing in my career and putting it before what I really wanted most, which was to be a mom. Okay. And then she finally adds, "The way I'm going to approach stories is going to be very different now." Oh, you mean you're not going to be sleeping with your sources anymore? No, that's not it. She says, "I have an understanding and an empathy that I didn't have before. I would do stories in the past about to the best of my ability and sometimes now I reflect on those and I don't know if I always thought about how much this would affect not just the player, but a team, an organization, the players families. [12:43](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=763) Now that I've been at the center of this attention and understanding, this wasn't just something that shook me. It affected my 94 year old grandmother, my cousins, family members I haven't even spoken to in years. It just had a really lasting effect. And I don't necessarily know if I ever really thought about that as much as I should. But being out of the spotlight helped Rini discover the best version of herself. I really hope I can be someone other women see. You can pick yourself up, get back out there, and not be afraid. Because if you just do the work, Matt, and I hope to continue working at a high level, that's all that's going to matter. And I hope that quiets the noise. off, People magazine and Diana on this absurd, ridiculous, poisonous spin that takes zero responsibility for what she actually did. I was going to say that's almost like that's got to be a Guinness record for not being in perspective at [13:47](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=827) length. Um that right that's more words not looking at your own conduct um in the middle of a scandal than I I can remember anybody uh putting forward. It's really amazing. I mean look it's a complete no no for men or women. You don't sleep with your sources like that. You can't pay your sources. Yes. [14:11](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=851) You can't give favors to your sources um financial or otherwise, right? Like it it's usually a career ender. Uh and for her to even be contemplating coming back this early, uh is remarkable. Uh you also [14:28](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=868) she talks about it like it's been 10 years in Siberia. Yeah. 6 months she was off [14:33](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=873) and and like she's the victim in the whole thing. Um, you know, the the husband, uh, first of all, why he didn't boot her out the door the instant this happened is is is remarkable. I I remember being told as a young person that um, you know, somebody who cheats on you, somebody who talks about you behind your back, those are both, you know, just end it immediately, right? Like that's if you have any self-respect to to run her husband down as she's doing that uh that's incredible. But you know, look, that's that's her private business. But the the journalism aspect of it should for People magazine to be celebrating a comeback as as if she were the victim of something is it's pretty amazing. Uh [15:24](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=924) where is the question? Where's the question? Did you do this? Yeah. Did you sleep with a source? Are you sorry? I mean, we're not really asking a lot of people. I know people go there for a puff job, but like is that is basic journalism just two questions too much to ask? Thanks for watching this clip. If you're new here, subscribe. We got a whole lot more goodness where that came from. Would love to hear your feedback. You can email me, too. Megan megnancell.com or just leave a comment below. But join the community by becoming a subscriber. [16:00](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=960) We really, really value your input and your support. We may not always agree, but we are always going to talk about it and respect. No BS, no agenda, no fear. Good news. Birch Gold has extended the Veterans Day silver offer through November 11th. So act now to get a free 1oz silver coin for every $10,000 purchased. This silver coin features the American flag and the Gadson flag and is a reminder that you saw the writing on the wall and did something about it. You realized we cannot afford the interest payments on our national debt. You realized inflation is still a challenge and it's time to diversify into gold and silver. Text MK to the number 989898 today and speak with a birch gold precious metals specialist. They will help you convert an existing IRA or 401k into an IRA in gold and silver. And then you will receive a free 1oz silver commemorative coin for every $10,000 you spend. But this offer ends on November [16:56](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/megyn-picks-apart-absurd-puff-piece-on-reporter-who-allegedly-had-affair-with-football-coach-source/transcript?t=1016) 11th. Diversify into gold and silver and get free silver. Text MK to the number 989898. That's MK to989898 today. ## Questions about this episode ### Who speaks in "Megyn Picks Apart ABSURD Puff Piece on Reporter Who Allegedly Had Affair with Football Coach Source"? Diana Rousini (Guest), Megyn Kelly (Guest). ### What is "Megyn Picks Apart ABSURD Puff Piece on Reporter Who Allegedly Had Affair with Football Coach Source" about? Megyn critiques a sensational, misleading puff piece about a sports reporter reportedly having an affair with a high-profile NFL coach, highlighting how the reporting mixes innuendo with private details to sensationalize a personal matter. The segment debunks the narrative by emphasizing the media’s use of speculation and image-dramatization over verifiable facts. ### What is mentioned in this Megyn Kelly episode? 22 people, works and ideas are mentioned, including Dianna Russini, Mike Vrabel, Megan Kelly, The Athletic, People, Matt Taibbi. Each one on this page links to its own page with every episode that mentions it. ### How long is "Megyn Picks Apart ABSURD Puff Piece on Reporter Who Allegedly Had Affair with Football Coach Source"? The episode runs 17 min; the transcript is about 2,828 words in 23 timestamped sections. ## More from Megyn Kelly - [All analyzed episodes](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly) - [Books mentioned on Megyn Kelly](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/books) - [People mentioned on Megyn Kelly](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/guests) - [Sponsors mentioned on Megyn Kelly](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/sponsors) - [Topics mentioned on Megyn Kelly](https://reclip.me/podcast/megyn-kelly/topics) About this transcript: the episode's spoken words as captioned on YouTube, split into timestamped sections. Reclip.Me locates every person, work and idea in the text, keeps the time it is first named, and quotes the words around it verbatim. Last updated November 11, 2026.