NFL reporter Dianna Russini has resigned from The Athletic less than a week after photos of her and New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel prompted an internal investigation at the New York Times-owned sports outlet.
In a letter to executive editor Steven Ginsberg, Russini said she stood by her journalism but was stepping aside to avoid further media frenzy. 'Rather than allowing this to continue, I have decided to step aside now – before my current contract expires on June 30,' she wrote.
The Athletic initially defended Russini, but Ginsberg said the investigation was expanded after additional reporting raised questions about her coverage of Vrabel. The photos, published by the New York Post, showed the pair together at a resort, including by a pool and in a hot tub. Both have said the interaction was platonic.
Russini joined The Athletic in 2023 after a decade at ESPN. Vrabel, who won three Super Bowls as a player, is preparing for his second season as Patriots coach and was named AP NFL Coach of the Year last season.
