NFL reporter Dianna Russini resigns after photos published of her and Patriots coach Mike Vrabel
NFL reporter Dianna Russini has resigned from The Athletic days after viral photos showed her with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel at an Arizona resort. They have both denied any impropriety.
Reporter Dianna Russini, then with ESPN, works on the sideline before the start of a game between the Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos on Sept. 9, 2019. (Ben Margot / Associated Press) NFL reporter Dianna Russini has resigned from The Athletic days after the New York Post's Page Six published photos of her and New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel interacting at an Arizona resort.
The photos appear to show Russini and Vrabel holding hands, hugging and sitting a hot tub and a swimming pool. In the April 7 article that accompanied the photos in the Post's Page Six, Russini and Vrabel — both of whom are married to other people — gave statements denying anything inappropriate was happening between them. The article also included a statement from Steven Ginsberg, executive editor of The Athletic, who expressed full support of Russini and said the photos "are misleading and lack essential context.
" The New York Times, which owns The Athletic, reported days later that the digital sports outlet would conduct an investigation into the matter. Russini submitted her letter of resignation to Ginsberg on Tuesday, then posted it on X. In it, Russini states she has "no interest in submitting to a public inquiry that has already caused far more damage than I am willing to accept.
" Read more: 2 Washington Post sportswriters were laid off, but they're still covering the Olympics anyway “I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published," Russini wrote. "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.