Dianna Russini reportedly resigns from The Athletic after photos with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, investigation
Dianna Russini joined The Athletic in 2023 after eight years at ESPN.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 10: Dianna Russini attends Michael Rubin's Fanatics Super Bowl party at the Marquee Nightclub at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on February 10, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) Ethan Miller via Getty Images Veteran NFL reporter Dianna Russini reportedly resigned from The Athletic on Tuesday after an investigation following the emergence of images of her and New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, according to the Associated Press . The images, which were originally published by the New York Post , featured Russini and Vrabel holding hands, dancing and sitting in a hot tub together at a luxury hotel in Arizona.
Following the release of those photos, both Vrabel and Russini downplayed them, with Russini claiming there were other people present and Vrabel saying the pictures “show a completely innocent interaction. ” In the original story by the Post, three eyewitnesses claimed they did not see anyone else with Russini and Vrabel. Both Russini and Vrabel are married to other people.
Initially, The Athletic stood by Russini, with executive editor Steven Ginsberg claiming the images were “misleading and lack essential context. ” Ginsberg called Russini “a premier journalist” and said he was “proud to have her at The Athletic,” per a statement to the Post. A few days after that statement, however, the New York Times — which owns The Athletic — confirmed Russini’s conduct was being investigated by The Athletic.
Russini was reportedly taken off reporting duty during the investigation, per the New York Times. In a letter sent to Ginsberg on Tuesday, obtained by AP, Russini said: “I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published. When the Page Six item first appeared, The Athletic supported me unequivocally, expressed confidence in my work and pride in my journalism.