- NFL reporter Dianna Russini has resigned from her position at The Athletic after photos emerged showing her with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel at a luxury resort in Arizona.
- Russini, 43, and Vrabel, 50, both of whom are married, were pictured holding hands and hugging, leading to an investigation by The Athletic into potential conflicts of interest. They both issued statements denying any wrongdoing.
- Russini wrote in a letter to Athletic’s executive editor Tuesday, “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. In the days that followed, unfortunately, commentators in various media have engaged in self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from the facts.”
- She continued, “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.”
- The New York Times, owner of The Athletic, previously confirmed a review was launched into Russini’s relationship with Vrabel and her reporting, in line with editorial guidelines on avoiding conflicts of interest.
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