Amid an internal investigation at The Athletic regarding published photos of NFL reporter Dianna Russini and New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel at an Arizona resort, Russini resigned on Tuesday.
Last week, the New York Post published photos of the pair at a resort in Sedona, Ariz., stating that they were taken before the NFL league meeting that began March 29 in Phoenix. The photos showed Russini and Vrabel hugging and holding hands and also sitting in a hot tub together.
Russini sent a resignation letter to Athletic executive editor Steven Ginsberg on Tuesday, writing that she did not accept the narrative “that had been constructed around this episode, but (I am resigning) because I refuse to lend it further oxygen or let it define me or my career.”
Russini wrote, “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.”
Russini spent almost 10 years working for ESPN in roles that included NFL analyst and insider. She had been with The Athletic since 2023 and has appeared on its video presence and helmed a podcast.
Vrabel and Russini, who are both married with children, released statements to the Post after the photos were published.
“Those photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable,” Vrabel said.
Russini said they “don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day.”
Vrabel was selected the AP NFL Coach of the Year in 2025, his first year with the Patriots, with whom he won three Super Bowls as a player. Vrabel’s Patriots finished 14-3 and lost to the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl. Vrabel won his first AP NFL Coach of the Year award in 2021 with the Tennessee Titans.
