NFL reporter Dianna Russini has resigned from The Athletic less than a week after photos of her and New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel were published. The photos, taken at an Arizona resort, prompted an internal investigation at the New York Times-owned sports outlet.
Photos Published Before NFL Meetings
The New York Post published the photos of Vrabel and Russini at the Sedona hotel. They reported the photos were taken before the NFL owners meetings that began in Phoenix on March 29.
Both Vrabel and Russini are married.
Vrabel and Russini released statements to the Post after publication of the photos. They both downplayed what the photos depict.
Russini’s Statement and Resignation
Russini said the photos “don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day.” Vrabel told the newspaper: “Those photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable.”
In a letter to Athletic executive editor Steven Ginsberg, Russini said she has covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout her career, and stands behind every story she has ever published. She added that The Athletic supported her unequivocally when the Page Six item first appeared, expressing confidence in her work and pride in her journalism. She stated she was grateful for that support.
“In the days that followed, unfortunately, commentators in various media have engaged in self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from the facts,” Russini said.
Russini explained her decision to resign before her contract expired on June 30. “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.”
The Athletic’s Internal Review
Sources confirmed that the digital outlet was investigating Russini’s conduct, following a report from Front Office Sports. Ginsberg had previously told the Post that the photos “lacked essential context” and lauded her work with The Athletic.
Russini joined The Athletic in 2023 after nearly a decade at ESPN, where she held various roles, including “SportsCenter” anchor, NFL analyst and insider. She hosted a podcast for The Athletic and made appearances on its video platform.
Vrabel’s Coaching Career
Vrabel is preparing for his second season as coach of the Patriots. He won three Super Bowls as a player with New England. He was the AP NFL Coach of the Year after leading the team to a 14-3 finish last season, which ended with a Super Bowl loss to Seattle. Vrabel previously won the AP NFL Coach of the Year award with Tennessee in 2021.
“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,” Russini said in her letter.