Dianna Russini letter of resignation: Full transcript of reporter's decision to leave The Athletic

Dianna Russini letter of resignation: Full transcript of reporter's decision to leave The Athletic originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Athletic's Dianna Russini is resigning from the outlet amid the fallout from leaked photos of herself and New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, the Associated Press first reported.

Russini made the announcement Tuesday while remaining insistent that she and Vrabel, who are both married, aren't involved romantically in any way.

The Athletic initially released a statement supporting Russini, but the outlet, which is owned by the New York Times, reportedly launched an internal investigation into the situation and took her off duty in the meantime.

Here's a complete look at the transcript of Russini's resignation letter after she left The Athletic.

MORE:Everything to know about the Dianna Russini-Mike Vrabel photos, speculation

Dianna Russini letter of resignation

Russini sent the following letter to The Athletic executive editor Steven Ginsberh on Tuesday and later posted the statement on social media:

“Please accept this letter as my resignation from The Athletic, effective immediately. I have come to this decision with deep sadness but with clarity about what is right for me, my family, and the work I have spent my career building.

You and I have already publicly addressed the recent attacks against me, and I have nothing to add publicly to what we have said. 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. 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.

Over a career spanning more than 15 years in sports journalism-at NBC, ESPN, and The Athletic-I have built a body of work I am proud of. I have broken stories, earned the trust of sources across the league, and have been guided by the highest standards of professional conduct. That record speaks for itself.

I remain grateful to The Athletic and for the extraordinary colleagues with whom I have worked there, for the platform it provided, and for the support you showed me during this difficult time. I wish you nothing but continued success.”

In a memo to staff, Ginsberg confirmed The Athletic launched an investigation after "new questions were raised" about the situation.

Russini joined The Athletic in 2023, after eight years at ESPN. She noted in her resignation letter that her contract was already set to expire on June 30, noting along the way that she made the decision to leave early "because I refuse to lend it further oxygen or to let it define me or my career."