Dianna Russini, an NFL journalist, has departed from The Athletic shortly after photographs of her alongside New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel led to an internal probe at the sports publication, which is owned by The New York Times. The images, released by the New York Post, captured the pair at a resort in Arizona prior to the NFL owners’ meetings that started in Phoenix on March 29.
In a statement to The Athletic’s executive editor Steven Ginsberg on Tuesday, Russini affirmed her commitment to professional and dedicated NFL reporting, standing by all her published work. She expressed appreciation for the outlet’s initial full support and trust in her journalism following the emergence of the Page Six report. However, she noted that subsequent media commentary had spiraled into unfounded speculation disconnected from reality.
Russini highlighted that the ongoing media attention was advancing without consideration for The Athletic’s review process, intensified by continuous leaks. She chose not to participate in a public examination that had already inflicted significant harm, opting instead to resign immediately rather than wait for her contract’s end on June 30. Her decision stemmed from a desire to avoid amplifying the false narrative, not from endorsing it, and to prevent it from overshadowing her professional legacy.
Vrabel was absent from the Patriots’ pre-draft press event on Monday. In a memo to staff, Ginsberg stated that The Athletic’s leadership had addressed the issue seriously upon learning of it. Initially, the publication backed Russini, describing the photos as lacking proper context and showing interactions in a group setting. The review was later broadened due to further details questioning her reporting on Vrabel and their connection.
Ginsberg explained that early concerns were met with a thorough account, prompting support for the colleague during the ongoing assessment. As more information surfaced, additional issues arose and were incorporated into the investigation. Russini resigned amid this process, and Ginsberg indicated that a review of her work’s standards would proceed.
Russini started at The Athletic in 2023 following almost ten years at ESPN, where she served in positions such as SportsCenter host, NFL expert, and insider. At The Athletic, she led a podcast and appeared on video content.
The Page Six images depict Russini and Vrabel at a high-end hotel in Sedona, including scenes near a pool, in a hot tub, and on a rooftop area. Some suggest physical closeness like hugging and hand-holding. Both, who are married to others, described the encounter as friendly and misrepresented. Russini noted the photos omitted the larger group context, while Vrabel dismissed any impropriety claims as absurd.
Vrabel, a three-time Super Bowl champion as a Patriots player, is entering his second year coaching the team. He earned the AP NFL Coach of the Year honor after guiding them to a 14-3 record last season, which concluded with a Super Bowl defeat to Seattle.
