Dianna Russini, a prominent NFL reporter, has resigned from The Athletic following the publication of photographs showing her alongside New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. The images, which were published by the New York Post last week, prompted an internal investigation at the sports outlet owned by The New York Times.
In a resignation letter addressed to The Athletic’s executive editor, Steven Ginsberg, Russini defended her journalistic integrity and rejected the narrative constructed around the photographs. “I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published,” she wrote, adding that the subsequent media frenzy was “hurtling forward without regard for the review process” the outlet was trying to complete. She stated her decision to step aside before her contract expires on 30 June was to “refuse to lend it further oxygen”.
The photos, taken at a resort in Sedona, Arizona, before the NFL owners meetings in March, appear to show the pair embracing and holding hands. Both Russini and Vrabel, who are married to other people, have denied any impropriety, describing the interaction as platonic and part of a larger group gathering. Vrabel did not attend the Patriots’ pre-draft news conference on Monday.
In an internal memo to staff, Ginsberg acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, noting that The Athletic initially supported Russini but expanded its review after additional reporting raised questions about her coverage of Vrabel and the nature of their relationship. “While our investigation into Dianna’s conduct was ongoing, she chose to resign,” he said, adding that a standards review of her work would continue.
Russini joined The Athletic in 2023 after nearly a decade at ESPN, where she held roles including SportsCenter anchor, NFL analyst and insider. She hosted a podcast and made video appearances for the outlet. Vrabel, a three-time Super Bowl winner as a player with the Patriots, is preparing for his second season as head coach after being named AP NFL Coach of the Year in 2023.
