Dianna Russini: Washington Redskins Boss’ Wife Apologizes For Disparaging Tweet About The ESPN Reporter
ESPN reporter Dianna Russini was offered an apology from Jessica McCloughan, the wife of Washington Redskin’s general manager Scot McCloughan, for a disparaging tweet about the sports reporter.
According to The Herald Sun, the Jessica McCloughan accused Russini of giving “BJs” to obtain stories about the team in a Tweet posted on Aug. 15.
@DiannaESPN Please tell us how many BJ’s you had to give to get this story. And did they laugh at you before or after?
The Twitter account with the handle “Rutherchevy” and claiming to be that of “Mrs. McCloughan” was deleted soon after reports first emerged of the accusations made about Dianna Russini.
Initially, Redskins officials, including Redskins senior vice president Tony Wyllie, said the account was fake and said Jessica McCloughan was not involved. However, it soon came to light that the account was indeed that of McCloughan and her remarks were directed at Dianna Russini.
This story of the Redskins GM’s wife accusing him of having an ESPN side piece is just great http://t.co/rdJg9pUJh1 pic.twitter.com/5JzRhaWo2N
— Busted Coverage (@bustedcoverage) September 2, 2015
After her confession, McCloughan apologised profusely.
Even before the Aug. 15 tweet, McCloughan was forced to apologize for another tweet on Aug. 13, in which she replied to one of Russini’s posts reporting that the Washington franchise was divided over the future of Robert Griffin III.
“I’m pretty sure this info is coming from my husband to his new side chick (dianna) It’s confirmed.”
The Washington Post published a transcript of the apology from McCloughan to Russini about the “BJ” tweet.
“I deeply apologise for the disparaging remarks about an ESPN reporter on my personal Twitter account. The comment was unfounded and inappropriate and I have the utmost respect for both the reporter and ESPN. I regret that my actions have brought undeserved negative attention to the Redskins organisation and its leadership. My comments in no way reflect the opinions or attitudes of the organisation and I regret that my behaviour has in any way negatively impacted the team or its fan base.”
ESPN also issued a statement in support for Russini.
Redskins GM Scot McCloughan’s wife (pictured) who is accusing him of having ESPN side piece http://t.co/rdJg9pUJh1 pic.twitter.com/YjmSqcVCTT
— Busted Coverage (@bustedcoverage) September 2, 2015
“Dianna is an excellent reporter who should never have to be subjected to such vulgar comments,” ESPN said in a statement.
“We are obviously extremely disappointed by today’s developments.”
Scot McCloughan took the helm of the Redskins in January after previously working with the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks.
He married Jessica earlier this year after his previous marriage reportedly fell apart during his battle with alcoholism, which led to his departure from the 49ers.
The Redskins’ NFL season begins on Sept. 13 against the Miami Dolphins.
There has been no response from Dianna Russini.
[Image via Twitter/USA Today]
