USA Today NFL reporter Crissy Froyd has been fired after publicly celebrating the resignation of Dianna Russini from The Athletic. Froyd, a contractor for the outlet, criticised Russini on X following her departure, prompting USA Today to terminate their relationship effective immediately.
Russini, 43, stepped down from her role as senior NFL insider at The Athletic after photographs emerged of her holding hands with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, 50. Both individuals, who are married, have denied any wrongdoing. The images were published by Page Six on 28 March in Sedona, Arizona.
In a statement, USA Today Sports said: “Her recent statements do not reflect our commitment to professionalism or uphold our principles of ethical conduct.” Froyd has since defended her comments, saying: “I regret zero of what I said and stand beside it. Be bold and speak out. Will it make a martyr out of you? Maybe. But some things are worth it and some are not. This was.”
The Athletic’s parent company, The New York Times, launched an investigation into the photographs, emphasising its editorial guidelines that journalists must avoid conflicts of interest. In her resignation letter, Russini maintained she covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication, expressing gratitude for the outlet’s initial support but criticising the ensuing media frenzy as “unmoored from the facts.”
Russini, who joined The Athletic in 2023, said she stepped down before her contract expiry on 30 June to avoid lending further oxygen to the narrative. “I refuse to let it define me or my career,” she wrote.
