NFL reporter Dianna Russini resigns
from The Athletic after photos published of her with Mike Vrabel
[April 15, 2026]
By ROB MAADDI
NFL reporter Dianna Russini has resigned from The Athletic less than
a week after published photos of her and New England Patriots coach
Mike Vrabel at an Arizona resort prompted an internal investigation
at The New York Times-owned sports outlet.
The New York Post last week published the photos of Vrabel and
Russini at the Sedona hotel and said they were taken before the NFL
owners meetings that began in Phoenix on March 29.
“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,”
Russini said in a letter sent Tuesday to Athletic Executive Editor
Steven Ginsberg and obtained by The Associated Press.
“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.”
Russini joined The Athletic in 2023 after nearly a decade at ESPN,
where she held various roles, including “SportsCenter” anchor, NFL
analyst and insider. She hosted a podcast for The Athletic and made
appearances on their video platform.
Vrabel and Russini, who are both married, released statements to the
Post after publication of the photos downplaying what the photos
depict.
Russini said they “don’t represent the group of six people who were
hanging out during the day.”
[to top of second column] |
Reporter Dianna Russini works on the sidelines before the start of
an NFL football game between the Oakland Raiders and the Denver
Broncos Monday, Sept. 9, 2019, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben
Margot, File)
Vrabel told the newspaper: “Those photos show a
completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is
laughable.”
Vrabel didn’t attend New England’s pre-draft news conference on
Monday.
The New York Times reported Saturday that the digital outlet was
investigating Russini’s conduct.
That decision came after Ginsberg previously told the Post that the
photos “lacked essential context” and lauded her work with The
Athletic.
“When this situation was brought to our attention last week, there
were clear concerns, but we received a detailed explanation and it
was our instinct to support and defend a colleague while we
continued to review the matter," Ginsberg said in a note to staff on
Tuesday announcing Russini’s resignation. “As additional information
emerged, new questions were raised that became part of our
investigation. While our investigation into Dianna’s conduct was
ongoing, she chose to resign.”
Ginsberg said the review of Russini's work will continue.
Vrabel, who won three Super Bowls as a player with New England, is
preparing for his second season as coach of the Patriots. He was the
AP NFL Coach of the Year after leading the team to a 14-3 finish
last season, which ended with a Super Bowl loss to Seattle. Vrabel
previously won the AP NFL Coach of the Year award with Tennessee in
2021.
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