Former NFL Players Accuse ESPN Of 'Double Standard' With Mike Vrabel, Dianna Russini

Former NFL players have accused ESPN of having a “double standard” when it comes to the Mike Vrabel, Dianna Russini scandal.

Monday night, the Chiefs hosted the Broncos on ESPN. It was the first “Monday Night Football” game of the season. The Chiefs topped the Broncos, 31-10, in impressive fashion on ESPN.

During the game, ESPN noted how Broncos star Jonathon Cooper is on the NFL’s Commissioner Exemption List, he deals with an ongoing legal battle stemming from domestic violence charges. Cooper was arrested twice over the summer, first following an alleged incident with his girlfriend, and later for allegedly violating a protection order.

“Well Joe, we’re seeing this Broncos defense struggle, and it is worth remembering that Jonathon Cooper is not with the Broncos right now, as he is on the Commissioner’s Exempt List after being arrested twice in seven days in June for domestic violence charges,” sideline reporter Laura Rutledge said.

“Cooper pled ‘not guilty’ to a felony assault strangulation charge and three misdemeanors after incidents involving his girlfriend. His trial starts November 10, and as you see right there, he’s responsible for a lot of the success that this defense has also had,” she added.

Denver Broncos legend Justin Simmons, who made four All-Pro teams during his eight years in Denver, was not happy with ESPN for bringing it up.

Simmons and other former NFL players are calling out ESPN for highlighting Cooper’s situation, while not speaking much about Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini during previous broadcasts.

Former NFL players claim ‘double standard’

“That’s absolute bs btw. Shame on all of the production on Monday night football and the crew. You’re supposed to call the game. Coop isn’t playing the game and isn’t on the sidelines.” Simmons wrote on X.

Others agreed.

“I’d be okay with it if they talked about everyone’s problems. Not a peep about Vrabels issues during the patriots broadcast,” one wrote.

Many, though, did not agree. It’s completely fair for ESPN to highlight the situation with Cooper.

“It’s part of the story. You’re acting like they convicted him or found him guilty. They’re simply explaining why he’s not there,” one wrote.

“I think addressing why a player isn’t playing or on the sideline, like they always do, is still something they should talk about…” another shared.

What did you make of ESPN’s coverage?