The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 2: Diana Russini & Mike Vrabel Investigations

Date: April 13, 2026
Hosts: LaVar Arrington, Brady Quinn, Jonas Knox (in for Dan Patrick)
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts / Fox Sports Radio

Episode Overview

Hour 2 of The Dan Patrick Show dives deep into the unfolding saga involving NFL insider Diana Russini and coach Mike Vrabel. The hosts analyze the credibility, ethical implications, and broader consequences the controversy has for sports journalism. The second half transitions into a discussion about the lack of excitement surrounding the upcoming NFL draft, its storylines, and changes to the industry. True to form, the episode is candid, humorous, and pulls no punches about media dynamics in sports.

Key Discussion Points

1. The Diana Russini & Mike Vrabel Investigation

[03:27–27:40]

• Background

  • Diana Russini, formerly of ESPN and now The Athletic, becomes the subject of an internal investigation after being linked to a rooftop encounter with Mike Vrabel, recently let go as head coach of the Tennessee Titans. The Athletic, after initially backing Russini, pulls her from reporting duties; her contract is up soon.
  • Vrabel will not participate in the team’s pre-draft press conference, presumably to avoid media scrutiny on the incident.

• Media Handling and PR Blunders

  • The hosts question the wisdom of Vrabel and Rossini staying silent:

    "If it was as open and shut as the coach initially made it sound, there’s no problem being in front of the cameras." – LaVar Arrington [05:34]

  • Delaying statements only allows the story to grow, with speculation filling the void of answers.

    "You’re allowing other people now to control the narrative with speculation, more photos and more videos..." – Jonas Knox [07:19]

• Impact on Insider Journalism and Integrity

  • The investigation puts a spotlight on the methods insiders use to obtain information, especially as rumors swirl about personal relationships being the source of scoops.
  • Broader questions are raised about gender double standards for insiders and source credibility.

• Notable Exchange on Journalistic Integrity:

  "Journalistic integrity of outlets is probably going to find themselves in question because of something like this in specific. No way around it." – LaVar Arrington [11:49]

• Skepticism about Official Stories

  • The hosts mock the idea that a group of six unnamed friends were present on the rooftop, casting doubt on the official narrative.

    "Do you know why you haven’t heard from those other people? Because they didn’t exist. That’s why. They weren’t there. It’s a BS story." – Brady Quinn [20:53]

  • Discussion about what it would mean for The Athletic and Russini to provide evidence of the six friends, and how much hinges on this detail.

• Consequences for Careers

  • The fallout is likely to end Diana Russini’s run at The Athletic, while criticism of double standards emerges (reporters are easier to let go than coaches).

• Casual Banter and Humor

  • The hosts discuss the implicit norms surrounding insider information and the unspoken ways certain reporters attract stories.
  • Banter about "how the sausage is made" in sports media and references to the upside-down pineapple (a playful symbol in the conversation).

2. The Upcoming NFL Draft Lacks Buzz

[34:53–44:09]

• Anticipation Gap

  • Despite expecting over 700,000 attendees for the draft in Pittsburgh, the media and fan excitement is notably subdued.

    "Just sort of right around the corner... it just doesn't feel like... it's all that it's cracked up to be in years past." – Jonas Knox [34:53]

• The Mendoza Factor

  • Discussion centers on top QB prospect Fernando Mendoza, who is seen as squeaky-clean and the obvious #1 pick, robbing the event of suspense or controversy.

    "Get a flaw, Mendoza. Get a bad habit... so we have something to talk about." – Brady Quinn, jokingly [35:13]

• Draft Class Weakness

  • Unlike past years, few other prospects are perceived as franchise-changing, especially with less depth at premier positions (tackles, edge rushers, cornerbacks).

    "Not those two position groups... when those are the best overall prospect players... it takes a knock at some of these guys." – Jonas Knox [40:31]

• Storylines in Comparison

  • Previous drafts had narratives (e.g., RG3 vs Andrew Luck, Shilo Sanders last year), which are missing this year, resulting in less “drama” for the media to fuel.

• Cultural and Media Industry Changes

  • Discussion about the diminished role of insider reporters, now that athletes and teams share scoops directly via social media.
  • Reflection on how much insider information matters to fans, and whether the risks reporters take are worth it.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On the Diana Russini & Mike Vrabel Saga

• On the Athletic's support changing:

  "They tried to put it to sleep, put it to bed real quick... But the fact that it's like, Oh, no, we're not done talking about it – it shows you how powerful the public is."
  — LaVar Arrington [26:58]

• Skepticism about corroborating witnesses:

  "Like, how difficult of a job it is to find six people that don’t exist? That’s crazy. Talk about reporting. She pulls that off…"
  — Brady Quinn [27:11]

• Reference to the gender double standard in sourcing:

  "There's a double standard... how some of the guys do it versus maybe how people think that maybe a woman might do it."
  — Jonas Knox [13:23]

• Humorous take on media immersion into scandal:

  "When there's a story that's real muddy, a lot of people are like, ooh, I don't want to get dirty. And we say: grab a snorkel, we're going in."
  — Brady Quinn [27:42]

On the Draft Lacking Drama

• On the draft's lack of intrigue:

  "If somebody wants to slip him an ounce of crystal meth before the draft, do something, get an edge, get something so we have something to talk about."
  — Brady Quinn, jokingly, about QB Mendoza [35:15]

• Historical context:

  "Last year’s draft struggled too and they had to lean on Shilo Sanders to carry them through two days of draft coverage."
  — LaVar Arrington [42:09]

• Cynicism on industry hype:

  "Maybe there's not a belief that Mendoza is a generational talent. ... It could be an indictment on how good they view Mendoza being as a pro quarterback."
  — LaVar Arrington [43:03]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [03:27–13:35] – Initial overview and analysis of the Rossini/Vrabel saga; impact on The Athletic's credibility and reporting norms; gender double standards.
• [14:12–17:58] – How insiders get stories; scrutiny of sourcing and double standards in media.
• [19:12–21:41] – Absence of corroborating witnesses; why that weakens the official version of events.
• [23:07–27:40] – Does the public care about insider scoops? Reflection on journalistic value.
• [34:53–44:09] – NFL Draft preview; why this year’s event lacks buzz; draft class weakness; importance of media-generated storylines.

Tone & Style

• Candid and irreverent: The hosts do not shy away from stating opinions, poking fun at media “spin,” and using humor to underscore points.
• Insider insight: Their discussions come from real experience in professional sports and sports media.
• Playful banter: Teasing each other about parenting sports (IRL), old rumors, and industry scandals.

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This episode is a must if you want a frank, behind-the-scenes look at how sports scandals unfold in the media, and how those situations ripple through both individual careers and the industry as a whole. It delivers equal parts gossip, critical analysis, and satire—along with a thoughtful look at problems of credibility, source ethics, and what really matters to fans.