Dianna Russini resigns from The Athletic in aftermath of Mike Vrabel pictures
One week after photos of the New York Times NFL reporter and Patriots coach emerged, Russini left the organization.
NFL reporter Dianna Russini resigned from her position at The Athletic on April 14, exactly one week after pictures of her with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel at a posh Arizona report were published by the New York Post . Russini's resignation letter to Athletic executive editor Steven Ginsberg, which she shared on social media, reads in part: “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.
For that I am grateful. In the days that followed, unfortunately, commentators in various media have engaged in self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from the facts. Moreover, this media frenzy is hurtling forward without regard for the review process The Athletic is trying to complete.
"It continues to escalate, fueled by repeated leaks, and I have no interest in submitting to a public inquiry that has already caused far more damage than I am willing to accept. Rather than allowing this to continue, I have decided to step aside now — before my current contract expires on June 30. I do so not because I accept the narrative that has been constructed around this episode, but because I refuse to lend it further oxygen or to let it define me or my career.
” I submitted my letter of resignation to The Athletic. Everything I have to say about it is below. pic.