Dianna Russini has resigned from The Athletic amid controversy over her relationship with Mike Vrabel, which has gone viral. Crissy Froyd criticized Russini's departure on social media, suggesting it was forced.
Key points
Dianna Russini resigned from The Athletic.
Photos of her with Mike Vrabel went viral.
Crissy Froyd criticized Russini's resignation on social media.
Speculation arose about the nature of Russini's relationship with Vrabel.
Mentioned in this story
Dianna RussiniMike VrabelThe AthleticNFL
Crissy Froyd (left) Dianna Russini (right)
X | Crissy Froyd (left) imageSPACE / MEGA (right)
Dianna Russiniâs abrupt resignation from The Athletic is continuing to spark intense reactions across the sports world, especially after photos surfaced showing her spending time with Mike Vrabel at a luxury Arizona resort. The images, which showed the two, both married, hugging, holding hands, and relaxing poolside, quickly went viral and triggered widespread speculation about the nature of their relationship. Now, fellow NFL reporter Crissy Froyd is weighing in, and sheâs not holding back.
Crissy Froyd Slams Dianna Russini After Sudden Exit
After news broke that Russini stepped down from her role as Senior NFL Insider, Crissy Froyd took to social media to share her reaction. âIâm sure you were told to submit this or that youâd get fired instead. Donât let the door hit you on the way out,â Froyd tweeted Tuesday alongside Russiniâs resignation letter.
Froyd didnât stop there, later doubling down on her claims in comments to the Daily Caller. âWe know who you really are and what youâve been up to for years,â she claimed. âIt does so much detriment to women in sports who have done things the right way.â
Froyd Escalates Feud With Bombshell Accusations
She continued with even more pointed allegations. âAll of us do know what sheâs been up to,â she alleged. âFrom fights with other reporters in Chiliâs parking lots about hooking up with married NFL coaches to everything else, it is almost certainly all true. It was the worst kept secret in the NFL reporting world for a while.â
Crissy Froyd also claimed she once declined an opportunity to have Dianna Russini as a mentor. âI can honestly say I have never slept with a player or coach for professional gain. Dianna cannot say the same. Thatâs where the difference is,â she further alleged.
Q&A
Why did Dianna Russini resign from The Athletic?
Dianna Russini resigned following the emergence of photos showing her with Mike Vrabel, which led to speculation about their relationship.
What did Crissy Froyd say about Dianna Russini's resignation?
Crissy Froyd criticized Russini's resignation on social media, implying it was coerced and expressing disdain for the situation.
What sparked the controversy surrounding Dianna Russini?
The controversy began when photos of Dianna Russini and Mike Vrabel, both married, surfaced, showing them in intimate settings at a resort.
What was the public reaction to Dianna Russini's resignation?
The public reaction has been intense, with widespread speculation and discussion about the implications of her relationship with Mike Vrabel.
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Viral Photos Fuel Speculation Around Dianna Russini And Mike Vrabel
Dianna Russini at The 2019 ESPYS presented by Capital One at the Microsoft Theater on July 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.
imageSPACE / MEGA
The backlash comes after Page Six published exclusive photos of Russini with Mike Vrabel at a luxury resort in Sedona, Arizona. In the images, the two, who are both married, were seen hugging, holding hands, and spending time together poolside.
Despite the speculation, both denied any romantic involvement. âThe photos donât represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day. Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues,â Russini said.
Vrabel added, âThese photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesnât deserve any further response.â
Russini Breaks Silence On Resignation Amid Growing Controversy
Dianna Russini at Michael Rubins Fanatics Super Bowl Party
JPA/AFF-USA.com / MEGA
Dianna Russini addressed her departure from The Athletic in a detailed letter to executive editor Steven Ginsberg, making it clear she stands by her work despite the backlash. âI have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published,â the letter read.
Dianna Russini also acknowledged that her outlet initially supported her after the photos surfaced. However, she said the situation quickly spiraled beyond control. âIn the days that followed, unfortunately, commentators in various media have engaged in self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from the facts,â she added.
According to Russini, her decision to step down was ultimately about protecting her career and removing herself from what she described as an escalating media storm. âRather than allowing this to continue, I have decided to step aside now, before my current contract expires on June 30,â she concluded. âI 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.â
Despite their denials, the situation is said to have intensified behind the scenes. Another outlet reported that The New York Times, which owns The Athletic, quietly pulled Dianna Russini from her duties as an internal review got underway.
Dianna Russini And Mike Vrabel Push Back Amid Ongoing Scandal
Mike Vrabel on NFL field
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA
Despite the mounting backlash and online speculation, both Russini and Vrabel have maintained that their interaction was innocent.
Vrabel has been married to his wife, Jen, since 1999, and they share two sons.
Russini, meanwhile, married Shake Shack executive Kevin Goldschmidt in 2020, and the couple shares two children.