NFL reporter Dianna Russini has resigned from The Athletic lower than per week after revealed photos of her and New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel at an Arizona resort prompted an inner investigation on the New York Times-owned sports activities outlet.
The New York Post last week published the photos of Vrabel and Russini on the Sedona resort and stated they have been taken earlier than the NFL house owners conferences that started 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 stated in a letter despatched Tuesday to Athletic govt 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 almost a decade at ESPN, the place she held varied roles, together with “SportsCenter” anchor, NFL analyst and insider. She hosted a podcast for The Athletic and made appearances on its video platform.
Vrabel and Russini, who’re each married, launched statements to the Post after publication of the photos downplaying what the photos depict.
Russini stated they “don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day.”
Vrabel informed the newspaper: “Those photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable.”
Sources had confirmed to ESPN that the digital outlet was investigating Russini’s conduct, following a report from Front Office Sports.
That determination got here after Ginsberg beforehand informed the Post that the photos “lacked essential context” and lauded her work with The Athletic.
Vrabel, who received three Super Bowls as a participant with New England, is making ready for his second season as coach of the Patriots. He was the AP NFL Coach of the Year after main the crew to a 14-3 end final season, which ended with a Super Bowl loss to Seattle. Vrabel beforehand received the AP NFL Coach of the Year award with Tennessee in 2021.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
