Dianna Russini has reportedly resigned from The Athletic in the wake of controversial photos published just days ago. They showed the NFL reporter with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. Those snaps, published by The New York Post on April 7, raised questions about the nature of the relationship between the two. Both are married to others.
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Russini, 43, and Vrabel, 50, were shown together "holding hands and hugging at a luxurious hotel." (It was the Ambiente in Sedona, Arizona.) They were also depicted lounging in a pool. Per the outlet, "Both Russini and Vrabel insist they were there with friends and say they simply weren't visible in the pictures."
Per the outlet, Vrabel went to Phoenix next for a multi-day NFL meeting. Russini reportedly also attended that NFL get-together.
Russini Wrote a Lengthy Letter of Resignation
Her letter was addressed to Athletic Executive Editor Steven Ginsberg. [She had been at the New York Times-owned publication for three years.) The letter was obtained by the Associated Press. It says in part, "I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published. When the Page Six item first appeared, The Athletic supported me unequivocally, expressed confidence in my work and pride in my journalism. For that I am grateful. In the days that followed, unfortunately, commentators in various media have engaged in self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from the facts."
Russini continued, "Moreover, this media frenzy is hurtling forward without regard for the review process The Athletic is trying to complete. 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."
Russini wrote this on X, where she included the entire content of her letter. "I submitted my letter of resignation to The Athletic. Everything I have to say about it is below."
Vrabel and Russini Each Denied Any Inappropriate Conduct When the Pics Appeared
According to the Post, Mike Vrabel said, "These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn't deserve any further response." Dianna Russini commented, "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."
Athletic Executive Editor Ginsberg was publicly standing behind Russini at the time. His remarks were part of the Post's April 7 story, as were Vrabel's and Russini's reactions. Ginsberg said, "These photos are misleading and lack essential context. Those 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."
Per NBC News, the investigation by The Athletic into Dianna Russini's conduct will reportedly continue even though she has resigned.
