Veteran NFL reporter Dianna Russini resigned from The Athletic on Tuesday, April 14, ending her tenure at the publication following a week of intense public scrutiny and an internal inquiry into her professional conduct.
The resignation, confirmed by both the outlet and the Associated Press, follows the publication of photographs showing Russini with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. Russini, whose contract was set to expire on June 30, opted to “step aside” immediately to avoid further damage to her reputation.
The controversy began on April 7, when the New York Post published seven photographs of Russini, 43, and Vrabel, 50, at the Ambiente Sedona resort in Arizona. The images showed the pair hugging, holding hands, and relaxing poolside.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2):format(webp)/Jared-Goff-of-the-Detroit-Lions-is-interviewed-by-Dianna-Russini-030826-fc6eca3c2abf4c389d0bf606730b152d.jpg)
Following the report, The New York Times—the parent company of The Athletic—reported that the publication had launched an investigation into Russini’s conduct with the coach. In a resignation letter sent to executive editor Steven Ginsberg, Russini criticized the “media frenzy” and the nature of the internal probe.
“I have no interest in submitting to a public inquiry that has already caused far more damage than I am willing to accept,” Russini wrote. “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.”
Both Russini and Vrabel, who are married to other individuals, have categorically denied any professional or personal wrongdoing.
- Mike Vrabel: Told the New York Post that the photos captured a “completely innocent interaction” and dismissed the speculation as “laughable.”
- Dianna Russini: Maintained she was acting in her capacity as a beat reporter. She stated the photos omitted a larger group of six people and that such interactions are standard for maintaining source relationships.
“I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published,” Russini stated in her letter.
While Russini noted that The Athletic initially supported her “unequivocally,” she cited “repeated leaks” and “self-feeding speculation” as the catalysts for her early exit.
Russini joined The Athletic as its lead NFL insider in 2023 after a high-profile stint at ESPN. Her departure leaves a significant vacancy in the outlet’s NFL coverage as the league prepares for the upcoming season. The Athletic has not commented on whether the internal investigation will continue following her resignation.
