Dianna Russini Is Out — Bombshell Move Shakes NFL Media

Russini has made a final decision.

Dianna Russini is out at The Athletic.

One week after photos surfaced of Russini hanging out with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel at an adults-only hotel in Arizona, the 43-year-old NFL insider has decided to resign.

According to Rob Maaddi of the Associated Press, Russini sent the following letter to The Athletic, explaining her decision to step down:

“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.

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 photos showed Russini and Vrabel holding hands, hugging and getting cozy at a swimming pool. The Athletic placed Russini on leave while they continued their investigation into the photos.

Mike Vrabel claimed the photos showed only an “innocent interaction”. In her statement, Russini said, “The photos don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day.”

Dianna Russini Joined The Athletic In 2023

Dianna Russini (Photo via Instagram)
Russini joined The Athletic in August 2023 after an eight-year stint at ESPN. She had already established herself as one of the top NFL insiders when she left the Worldwide Leader in Sports for a new beginning.

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She also co-hosted The Athletic‘s “Scoop City” podcast with James Palmer and former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel. However, the program has not published an episode in over a month.

It’s anybody’s guess where this leaves Russini and her future in journalism. Nonetheless, it’s a shocking story for one of the league’s most prominent insiders.