NFL insider and reporter Dianna Russini announced her resignation from The Athletic on Tuesday, less than a week after photos surfaced showing her embracing and interlocking fingers with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel at a resort in Arizona.
I submitted my letter of resignation to The Athletic. Everything I have to say about it is below. pic.twitter.com/401nrtbEsj
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— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) April 14, 2026
She published her full resignation letter to social media.
“This media frenzy is hurtling forward without regard for the review process The Athletic is trying to complete,” Russini said in the letter “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.”
The Athletic’s executive editor, Steven Ginsberg, said on Tuesday that a review of Russini’s coverage will still be carried out in the wake of her resignation.
Both Russini and Vrabel have continued to downplay the photos, with Vrabel releasing a public statement shortly after the first leaks.
“Those photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable,” Vrabel said.
Both Russini and Vrabel are married. Vrabel did not attend the Patriots’ pre-draft press conference, something he did attend last season.
The situation immediately gained traction online and has since sparked debates on the ethical standards and relationships between athletes, coaches and reporters.
James Parker contributed to this story.
