Dianna Russini Resigns After Photos Published Alongside Patriots' Mike Vrabel

TL;DR

Dianna Russini has resigned from The Athletic just days after photos surfaced of her with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel in Sedona, Arizona. Her resignation follows the publication of these images.

Dianna Russini

Dianna Russini Resigns After Photos Published Alongside Patriots' Mike Vrabel originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Dianna Russini is no longer with The Athletic.

Russini, less than one week after photos were published of her alongside New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel at a resort in Sedona, Arizona, resigned from her position at the company, according to Rob Maaddi of the Associated Press.

“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 signed with The Athletic in 2023.

Vrabel and Russini, who are both married, released statements after publication of the photos that downplayed what they depict. Vrabel said it was an "innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable." Russini said they “don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day.”

The New York Times, who owns The Athletic, is currently investigating Russini.

More NFL: NFL Writer Names Player Patriots Would Take At No. 4 In 2025 Re-Draft

Q&A

Why did Dianna Russini resign from The Athletic?

Dianna Russini resigned shortly after photos of her with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel were published.

What were the circumstances surrounding Dianna Russini's resignation?

Her resignation occurred less than a week after images of her alongside Mike Vrabel at a resort in Sedona, Arizona, were made public.

Who is Mike Vrabel and what is his connection to Dianna Russini's resignation?

Mike Vrabel is the head coach of the New England Patriots, and his appearance in photos with Russini is linked to her recent resignation from The Athletic.