NFL
By Steve Atkinson
It’s a slow period in the NFL from now until training camp at the end of July. There’s little happening except the World Cup and NBA off-season drama. However, one story that ESPN or the NFL wants no part of is the Vrabel-Russini situation.
ESPN won’t touch it, especially after they promoted AJ Brown to the Patriots, and now that it’s happened, the NY Times publishes an article about Russini’s time at The Athletic. But it’s behind a paywall I won’t subscribe to. There’s no investigation into Russini, so whatever she was making- probably around $80000 a year- is likely what most of them earn, and they get what they want by chasing the top stories. Russini isn’t the only one, and she won’t be the last- that’s just how the industry works. People earning a living in this field often don’t want to admit it.
The Patriots are in a unique position coming off their Super Bowl victory last year. Yes, it’s a tough schedule, and it helps that they got AJ Brown- something Russini knew months ago- but I don’t see the Patriots losing many games. The more they win, the more ESPN will focus on the football and the Vrabel situation, which benefits everyone. If the Patriots start losing more games, football won’t be discussed as much, and neither ESPN nor the league would like that. They care about ratings and views, so what better way to draw attention than to have the Patriots make another run with Drake Maye and AJ Brown? Winning solves almost everything.
ESPN loves to pump up AJ Brown
I hope the Patriots do well I’m just interested in the coverage of the Vrabel situation by ESPN not even wanting to touch it. It’s ok to admit that the Patriots will win a lot because Drake Maye will certainly get the Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady treatment with calls. Roughing the passer and PI calls. It’s coming so be prepared, a month from now all the talk will be how AJ Brown will look at training camp, who the left tackle will be, and how’s the Christian Gonzalez contract? It won’t be about the Vrabel situation. ESPN and the league will make sure of it.
The Patriots will probably have a good season
The Patriots are in a great position they have the media on their side for once. When more pictures came out of Vrabel and Russini ESPN made sure to pump up AJ Brown. What Russini did happens in that industry and that’s what they do to get stories. Not saying Adam Schftner sleeps with coach’s but I’m sure they also do what they can to get the scoops. That’s what female insiders do and it happens everywhere they just don’t like to admit it. That is why the only interesting part of the story is the coverage cause they all knew.
