NFL insider Dianna Russini has resigned from her job at The Athletic amid the ongoing controversy surrounding a photographed interaction with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel — and she’s going down swinging.
“I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published,” Russini, 43, said in a written statement shared via social media on Tuesday, April 14. “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 and Vrabel, 50 — who are both married with children — were seen spending time together in photos published by Page Six on April 7. The pair were photographed interlocking their fingers, sunbathing by the pool and sharing a hot tub at a luxury resort in Sedona, Arizona, last month.
“Moreover, this media frenzy is hurtling forward without regard for the review process The Athletic is trying to complete,” Russini continued in her statement. “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.”
She added, “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.”
Shortly after the photos of Russini and Vrabel were published, they both issued statements claiming their relationship was strictly professional.
“The photos don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day,” Russini said in a statement to Page Six. “Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues.”
Vrabel added, “These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn’t deserve any further response.”
The Athletic initially supported Russini, with executive editor Steven Ginsberg telling Page Six, “These photos are misleading and lack essential context. 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.”
Days later, however, The Athletic opened an investigation into Russini’s conduct.
“The Athletic is investigating the conduct of a senior NFL reporter, Dianna Russini, after the publication of photographs that showed her with Mike Vrabel, the head coach for the New England Patriots, according to a person familiar with the inquiry,” the outlet said on Saturday, April 11.
