Dianna Russini Shares Defiant Resignation Letter After Mike Vrabel Photo Scandal: Read It Here

Dianna Russini; Mike Vrabel
Credit: John Salangsang/Shutterstock; Thearon W. Henderson/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• Dianna Russini shared her letter of resignation from The Athletic on Tuesday, April 14
• The NFL reporter said she's proud of her body of work, but feels the "media have engaged in self-feeding speculation" regarding her and Vrabel's relationship
• Russini said she needs to "do what is right for me, my family and the work I have spent my career building" in her letter

NFL reporter Dianna Russini is sharing her full resignation letter, moments after announcing to The Athletic that she would be leaving the outlet amid the scandal over photos of her with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel.

Russini, 43, resigned from her role at The Athletic on Tuesday, April 14, one week after Page Six published photos showed her hugging and holding hands with Vrabel. The Associated Press was first to report the news of her resignation.

When the photos first circulated, The Athletic stood by Russini, claiming the photos were "misleading and lack essential context," but on April 11, The New York Times reported that The Athletic (a Times-owned publication) was investigating Russini's conduct with Vrabel, 50.

In her official letter of resignation sent on Tuesday, Russini thanked executive editor Steven Ginsberg and the outlet for their support during "this difficult time" and said she's proud of the body of work she's built.

Dianna Russini on Feb. 7, 2025 in New Orleans
Credit: Jeff Schear/Getty

"Please accept this letter as my resignation from The Athletic, effective immediately. I have 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," she began the letter, addressed to Ginsberg. "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."

Russini continued: "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."

Russini said she would end her time at The Athletic ahead of the end of her contract.

"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 fifteen 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 been guided by the highest standards of professional conduct. That record speaks for itself."

She concluded: "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."

The photos of Russini and Vrabel — who are each married to other people — were originally published by Page Six on April 7. The pair could be seen holding hands, hugging and lounging poolsideat the boutique resort Ambiente Sedona.

Mike Vrabel; Dianna Russini
Credit: Dylan Buell/Getty; Cindy Ord/Getty

The Times reported that The Athletic’s editorial guidelines require journalists to avoid activities that pose a conflict of interest, or the "appearance of a conflict," so that their credibility is not questioned.

Vrabel addressed the photos the same day they were published, telling the New York Post, "These photos show a completely innocent interaction, and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn’t deserve any further response."

Russini also told the outlet that the photos were misinterpreted.

"The photos don’t 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," Russini told the outlet.

Read the original article on People