Dianna Russini Resigns from The Athletic Amidst Controversy Over Vrabel Photos NFL reporter Dianna Russini has resigned from The Athletic following an internal investigation triggered by photos of her with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel at a resort. Russini stated she would not participate in a public inquiry that had already caused significant damage. Respected NFL reporter Dianna Russini has tendered her resignation from The Athletic, a significant development occurring less than a week after images of her and New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel at an Arizona resort surfaced. The publication of these photographs at the Sedona hotel, reportedly taken just prior to the NFL owners meetings commencing on March 29 in Phoenix, triggered an internal review by The Athletic, which is owned by The New York Times. In a letter addressed to Steven Ginsberg, The Athletic's Executive Editor, and subsequently obtained by The Associated Press, Russini expressed her commitment to professional integrity. She stated, '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.' Russini further elaborated on the escalating nature of the situation, noting, '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.' Russini's tenure at The Athletic began in 2023, following a decade-long engagement with ESPN, where her roles included anchoring SportsCenter, serving as an NFL analyst, and acting as an insider. At The Athletic, she was a host for a podcast and a contributor to their video platform. Both Vrabel and Russini, who are married, issued statements to The Post following the circulation of the photos. Russini maintained that the images 'don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day.' Vrabel characterized the photographs as depicting a 'completely innocent interaction' and dismissed any contrary suggestions as absurd. Notably, Vrabel was absent from the New England Patriots' pre-draft news conference on Monday. The New York Times had reported on Saturday that the digital sports publication was examining Russini's conduct. This investigation was initiated despite Ginsberg's prior comments to The Post that the photos 'lacked essential context' and his praise for Russini's contributions to The Athletic. Vrabel, a distinguished former player with three Super Bowl victories with New England, is preparing for his second season as the team's head coach. He garnered AP NFL Coach of the Year honors after guiding the Patriots to a 14-3 record last season, a campaign that concluded with a Super Bowl defeat. He had previously earned the AP NFL Coach of the Year award with the Tennessee Titans in 2021.