Dianna Russini Resigns from The Athletic after Leaked Photos with Mike Vrabel

TL;DR

Dianna Russini has resigned from The Athletic following the leak of photos with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. The incident led to an internal investigation at the company.

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

NFL reporter Dianna Russini’s tenure at The Athletic is over. Russini has resigned from The Athletic after photos of her and New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel were leaked, the reporter confirmed on Tuesday. The photos prompted an internal investigation from the company.

The photos were taken before the NFL owners’ meetings that begin in Phoenix, Arizona, on March 29. The Athletic has confirmed Russini’s resignation from the sports outlet.

Dianna Russini’s statement after resignation from The Athletic

“I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published,” Russini said in a letter. “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.”

Russini joined The Athletic in 2023 after spending time with ESPN. The NFL reporter denies the narrative that has been created between her and Vrabel. There have been no further statements from the Patriots’ head coach after Russini’s resignation.

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Q&A

Why did Dianna Russini resign from The Athletic?

Dianna Russini resigned due to the leak of photos featuring her and Mike Vrabel, which prompted an internal investigation.

What were the leaked photos of Dianna Russini and Mike Vrabel about?

The leaked photos showed Dianna Russini with Mike Vrabel before the NFL owners' meetings, leading to scrutiny and her subsequent resignation.

What is the timeline of events surrounding Dianna Russini's resignation?

Dianna Russini's resignation was confirmed on Tuesday, shortly after the leaked photos surfaced and prompted an internal investigation at The Athletic.