Justin Simmons Draws Backlash for Comparing 4 Assault Charges to Mike Vrabel Affair Rumor
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 15
Justin Simmons Draws Backlash for Comparing 4 Assault Charges to Mike Vrabel Affair Rumor
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 15
Summary
Justin Simmons came under heavy online criticism after posting that ESPN should not have mentioned Broncos linebacker Jonathan Cooper’s absence during Monday Night Football while not discussing Mike Vrabel’s alleged affair.
Four charges against Cooper—including felony second-degree assault by strangulation of a former girlfriend—made the comparison especially contentious, with critics arguing an alleged affair is not equivalent to a criminal case involving abuse allegations.
Simmons doubled down in follow-up posts, saying broadcasts should cover only the game and not players who are inactive or away from the stadium, even if their absence stems from arrest and NFL discipline.
NBC had already referenced the Vrabel-Dianna Russini controversy during the Patriots’ season opener, undercutting Simmons’ claim that television networks ignored that story while highlighting Cooper’s case.