Dianna Russini launches podcast with BetUS after leaving The Athletic

Dianna Russini said on Monday that she will host a new weekly podcast, "The Russini Report," for offshore gambling firm BetUS, marking her return to media after resigning from The Athletic in April. In an interview with People, Russini described the past six months as "heartbreaking" and said she felt overwhelmed by false information surrounding her personal life.

The Athletic stated that Russini's relationship with Indianapolis Colts head coach Mike Vrabel violated the outlet's ethical standards, regardless of whether the relationship was romantic, and that the breach should have been disclosed. The publication released the comment from Mike Semel, the outlet's senior editor, after an internal investigation.

Media reports in April showed Russini and Vrabel together at an adults-only resort in Arizona. Russini later said the encounter occurred during a hiking trip with friends. Additional photographs from earlier years, including a 2021 private boat rental in Tennessee while she was pregnant, have been reported by various outlets.

In her resignation letter, Russini thanked The Athletic for its support and expressed frustration with what she called speculative coverage and repeated leaks. She also indicated she would not participate in a public inquiry.

Russini said she hopes her new role can serve as an example for other women, stating, "I really hope that I can be someone other women see: you can pick yourself up, get back in there and not be afraid. Because if you just do the work — and I hope to continue working at a high level — that’s all that’s going to matter. And I hope that quiets the noise."