The sports media world is seeing a fallout after Dianna Russini’s departure from The Athletic. Russini, who covered the NFL, announced her resignation on Tuesday. The decision follows a photograph of her with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel at an Arizona resort.
Russini denied any wrongdoing. She admitted that the weight of the situation had become too much.
“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 wrote.
She added, “Over a career spanning more than fifteen years in sports journalism — at NBC, ESPN, and The Athletic — I have built a body of work I am proud of. I have broken stories, earned the trust of sources across the league, and been guided by the highest standards of professional conduct. That record speaks for itself.”
Russini also expressed gratitude to The Athletic and her colleagues. She wished them continued success.
Support and Criticism in the Media
Some figures in sports media have voiced their support for Russini. These include Dan Le Batard, Jemele Hill and Michelle Beadle.
However, not everyone agrees. NFL reporter Crissy Froyd, who covers the league for USA TODAY SMG, has publicly criticised Russini on social media. She is celebrating her departure.
Froyd’s Response to the Resignation
Froyd’s social media post included: “I’m sure you were told to submit this or that you’d get fired instead. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out. We know who you really are and what you’ve been up to for years. It does so much detriment to women in sports who have done things the right way.”
Despite some backlash on social media, Froyd is standing by her stance.
“It does no benefit to her to admit anything close to the truth. Why would she? She gains nothing. Part of me almost feels bad for her — she’s in her 40s and I think wanted to be good and ethical from the start. But she’s not been for years on end. You make your own bed…” Froyd shared.
Froyd added, “I will be so real here. Relationships with players and coaches and reporters isn’t really troubling to me. Giving something up for info is as an exchange is wrong. Build your career on your own integrity. I don’t support her at all.”
Originally published by The Spun on Apr 15, 2026, the story first appeared in the NFL section.