Dianna Russini resigned from The Athletic amid an affair scandal involving NFL coach Mike Vrabel. Crissy Froyd criticized Russini's resignation, claiming it harms women in sports.
Key points
Dianna Russini resigned from The Athletic amid an affair scandal.
Crissy Froyd criticized Russini's resignation on social media.
Photos of Russini and Vrabel together sparked speculation.
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA; imageSPACE / MEGA; Instagram/Crissy Froyd
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA; imageSPACE / MEGA; Instagram/Crissy Froyd
NFL reporter **Crissy Froyd** is weighing in on the affair scandal involving former Athletic reporter **Dianna Russini** and New England Patriots coach **Mike Vrabel** â and sheâs not holding back.
While Russini and Vrabel, who are both married to other people, have denied any wrongdoing and downplayed speculation about a potential secret relationship, Russini resigned from her position at *The Athletic*, a sports publication owned by *The New York Times*, on Tuesday, April 14.
The controversy began after *Page Six* published photos of Russini and Vrabel together at an Arizona hotel. Photos showed the two at the adults-only Ambiente resort in Sedona on Saturday, March 28, lounging side-by-side in a hot tub, and in one shot, appearing to hold hands.
Vrabel, 50, has been married to his wife Jen since 1999, and they share two sons. Russini, 43, has been married to Shake Shack executive **Kevin Goldschmidt** for five years, and they also have two young sons.
Page Six / MEGA
Page Six / MEGA
After Russini made her letter of resignation public in a post on X, Froyd responded with a post of her own.
âIâm sure you were told to submit this or that youâd get fired instead,â Froyd, an employee at USA Today Sports, wrote on X.
âDonât let the door hit you on the way out. We know who you really are and what youâve been up to for years,â Froydâs post continued. âIt does so much detriment to women in sports who have done things the right way.â
In her resignation letter, Russini said she was âgratefulâ for *The Athletic*âs support once the scandal first erupted.
âIn 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,â she wrote. âIt 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.â
Page Six / MEGA
Russini noted that her 15-year career in sports journalism has taken her work to NBC, ESPN and *The Athletic*.
âI 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,â she added. âThat record speaks for itself.â
For his part, Vrabel previously told *Page Six*, âThese photos show a and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesnât deserve any further response.â
Russini also told the outlet: 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
Eyewitnesses, however, claimed to *Page Six* there were no friends in sight when the pair were caught hanging out together.
Q&A
What led to Dianna Russini's resignation from The Athletic?
Dianna Russini resigned following an affair scandal involving NFL coach Mike Vrabel, which included speculation and media scrutiny.
Who is Crissy Froyd and what did she say about Russini?
Crissy Froyd is an NFL reporter who criticized Russini's resignation on social media, suggesting it reflects poorly on women in sports.
What were the allegations against Dianna Russini and Mike Vrabel?
The allegations stemmed from photos showing Russini and Vrabel together at a hotel, leading to speculation about a potential affair despite their denials.
How did Mike Vrabel respond to the allegations of an affair?
Mike Vrabel described the photos as depicting a 'completely innocent interaction' and dismissed the allegations as laughable.
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