Sports journalist Dianna Russini has stepped down from her position at The Athletic following the publication of photographs showing her with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel at an Arizona hotel, which triggered an internal review at the New York Times-owned publication.
The images, which appeared in the New York Post, were captured at a Sedona resort prior to the NFL owners meetings that commenced in Phoenix on March 29.
In a resignation letter dated Tuesday and sent to Athletic Executive Editor Steven Ginsberg, Russini defended her journalistic record while criticizing the media coverage that followed. “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,” she wrote.
Russini continued in her statement: “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.”
The reporter came to The Athletic in 2023 following almost ten years at ESPN, where she served in multiple capacities including SportsCenter host, NFL analyst and league insider. At The Athletic, she produced a podcast and appeared on their video content.
Both Russini and Vrabel, who are married to other people, issued responses to the Post minimizing the significance of the photographs.
Russini explained that the images “don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day.”
Vrabel responded to the publication by stating: “Those photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable.”
The Patriots coach was absent from New England’s pre-draft press event on Monday.
The New York Times confirmed on Saturday that the digital sports outlet had launched an inquiry into Russini’s professional conduct.
This investigation began despite Ginsberg’s earlier comments to the Post that the photographs “lacked essential context” while praising her contributions to The Athletic.
Vrabel, a three-time Super Bowl champion as a player with New England, is entering his second year leading the Patriots. He earned AP NFL Coach of the Year honors after guiding the team to a 14-3 record last season, which concluded with a Super Bowl defeat to Seattle. He previously received the same coaching award while with Tennessee in 2021.
