NFL Reporter Dianna Russini Resigns After Vacation Photos With Patriots' Mike Vrabel Surface
UPDATE: Dianna Russini has resigned 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," she said in an April 14 letter to Athletic Executive Editor Steven Ginsberg obtained by The Associated Press. "Unfortunately, commentators in various media have engaged in self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from the facts."
While Russini said she was "grateful" that The Athletic supported her and "expressed confidence" in her journalism, she felt the need to resign.
“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," she continued. "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.”
________
Dianna Russini is taking a time out.
After photos of the NFL reporter and New England Patriots' head coach Mike Vrabel surfaced online, the news outlet is investigating the journalist, sources familiar with the situation at The Athletic told E! News.
The insiders shared that the New York Times-owned sports publication began an investigation into Russini immediately after Page Six published photos of her and Vrabel, with an initial review finding that the photos of the pair—both of whom are married—at a luxury resort in Arizona were taken in the presence of a larger friend group.
However, the sources noted that further investigation raised additional concerns, which are under review by the outlet. Additionally, Russini's past coverage at The Athletic is also being reviewed and she will not be doing any reporting amid the investigation.
E! News has reached out to reps for Russini and Vrabel for comment and has not heard back. The Athletic declined E! News' request for comment.
Amy Sussman/Getty Images/Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for SiriusXM
Photos of the journalist and the Patriots coach published on April 7, showed the pair dancing and holding hands on the rooftop of a Sedona, Ariz., hotel. In another photo, Vrabel and Russini were relaxing next to each other in a hot tub. Hours after the pics surfaced, they shared separate statements addressing speculations.
"These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable," Vrabel, 50,—dad to two sons with wife Jen Vrabel last year—said in an April 7 statement to Page Six. "This doesn't deserve any further response."
Meanwhile, Russini did share insight into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
"The photos don't represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day," the 43-year-old—who shares two kids with Shake Shack executive Kevin Goldschmidt—said in a statement to E! News. "Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues."
For The Athletic's part, it initially defended its journalist, who joined the staff in 2023.
"These photos are misleading and lack essential context," The Athletic executive editor Steven Ginsberg said in a statement to E! News April 7. "These were public interactions in front of many people. Dianna is a premier journalist covering the NFL and we're proud to have her at the Athletic."
This story was originally published April 13, 2026, at 1:18 p.m. PT and updated on April 14, 2026, at 1:20 p.m. PT with news of the resignation.
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
此内容由惯性聚合(RSS阅读器)自动聚合整理，仅供阅读参考。 原文来自 — 版权归原作者所有。