Dianna Russini, Aaron Rodgers, Mike Vrabel, and Jed York with ESPN studio in background.
Dianna Russini, Aaron Rodgers, Mike Vrabel, and Jed York with ESPN studio in background.
In the wake of Aaron Rodgers' criticisms of ESPN's reporting on the Dianna Russini-Mike Vrabel scandal, he also took issue with its coverage of Jed York's recent arrest.
During an appearance on Not Just Football, which is hosted by his Pittsburgh Steelers teammate Cam Heyward, Rodgers took aim at ESPN once again, calling the outlet a “gutless organization.”
“They spend so much time on certain issues, but you won't talk one second on the Dianna Russini situation?” he questioned. “What just happened? Let's see — the owner of the Niners solicited a prostitute for $140 in Ohio. That literally was the number one topic.”
Aaron Rodgers on Dianna Russini and ESPN:
“I also said your a gutless organization because they haven’t said anything. They spend so much time on certain issues but you won’t talk one second on the Dianna Russini situation. What just happened let’s see the owner of the 49ers… pic.twitter.com/389CmxhH0v
— Matthew Luciow (@matthewluciow92) September 10, 2026
He pointed out that York's arrest was ESPN's “number one story” in its “featured” section on the website. Rodgers wondered why ESPN would “want to throw Jed York under the bus” while one of its former employees had “intimate relations with a coach.” He was especially peeved because she has a vote for MVP and Coach of the Year, showing a conflict of interest.
Ultimately, ESPN not covering the Russini-Vrabel scandal raises questions for the quarterback. He theorizes that there's “a lot more to” the scandal, and the NFL is trying to “protect the shield.” ESPN recently acquired NFL Network. The deal included the NFL receiving a 10% stake in the network.
The Russini-Vrabel scandal and York's arrest were two stories of the offseason. Clearly, Rodgers was not happy about how the topics were covered.
Rodgers initially aired his grievances with the network on The Pat McAfee Show, which airs on ESPN. He ranted about the network for an extended period. ESPN had “no comment” on Rodgers' rant.
The star quarterback is entering his final year in the NFL. He led the Steelers to the playoffs in 2025. Rodgers passed for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions during the regular season.