Dianna Russini Resigns from The Athletic Amid Photo Controversy with Mike Vrabel
NFL reporter Dianna Russini has resigned from The Athletic following the publication of photos depicting her with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel at an Arizona resort, which led to an internal investigation.
NFL reporter Dianna Russini has resigned from The Athletic after photos surfaced showing her with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel at a resort in Sedona, Arizona. The images, published by the New York Post, were reportedly taken before the NFL owners meetings in Phoenix on March 29.
In a letter to The Athletic's Executive Editor Steven Ginsberg, Russini stated, "I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published." She expressed gratitude for the initial support from The Athletic but criticized the ensuing media speculation, describing it as "self-feeding" and "unmoored from the facts." Russini emphasized her decision to resign was to prevent the situation from defining her career.
Both Russini and Vrabel, who are married to other people, have denied any inappropriate behavior. Vrabel commented, "Those photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laugh ... ."
The Athletic has indicated that its internal review of Russini's conduct will continue despite her resignation. Russini joined The Athletic in 2023 after nearly a decade at ESPN, where she held roles including SportsCenter anchor and NFL analyst. Vrabel, a three-time Super Bowl champion as a player with New England ... the Patriots' head coach.