NFL journalist Dianna Russini has resigned from her job at The Athletic, according to TMZ. The news comes more than a week after photos of Russini and New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel holding hands were published online.
The photos, which were published by Page Six, show Russini and Vrabel together at a swanky hotel in Sedona, Arizona. The pictures were taken in March during a getaway, though it’s unclear if said getaway was work-related.
Both Vrabel and Russini—who are married to other people—have denied any wrongdoing. On April 10, Fox Sports reported that The Athletic had launched an investigation into Russini.
Russini has worked at The Athletic since 2023. She previously was a sports reporter at ESPN. Vrabel is coming up on his second season as the Patriots head coach. He played eight seasons of his career in New England. After retirement, he started coaching, first for Ohio State (2011–2013) followed by the Houston Texans (2014–2017), and the Tennessee Titans (2018–2023).
Russini Sent a Letter to Her Employer Announcing Her Decision to Leave
According to TMZ, Russini resigned by way of a formal letter sent to the outlet. Portions of that letter were shared by the outlet.
“This media frenzy is hurtling forward without regard for the review process The Athletic is trying to complete,” Russini said. “It continues to escalate, fueled by repeated leaks, and I have no interest in submitting to a public inquiry that has already caused far more damage than I am willing to accept.”
“Rather than allowing this to continue, I have decided to step aside now — before my current contract expires on June 30. I do so not because I accept the narrative that has been constructed around this episode, but because I refuse to lend it further oxygen or to let it define me or my career,” she added.
Russini’s Editor at ‘The Athletic’ Previously Spoke Out in Her Defense
After the photos of Russini and Vrabel went viral, both parties released statements.
“These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable,” Vrabel said, according to NBC Sports. “This doesn’t deserve any further response.”
“The photos don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day. Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues,” Russini said.
A short while later, Russini’s editor at The Athletic spoke out.
“These photos are misleading and lack essential context,” Steven Ginsberg, executive editor of The New York Times-owned publication, said, according to People magazine. “These were public interactions in front of many people. Dianna is a premier journalist covering the NFL and we’re proud to have her at The Athletic.”
NFL Insider Resigns After Unexpected Interaction With Mike Vrabel (Report)