Dianna Russini has tendered her resignation from The Athletic, shortly after vehemently denying allegations of an affair with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. The situation escalated following the release of photos showing Russini and Vrabel holding hands and relaxing by a pool at an adults-only resort in Arizona. Both individuals, who are married, minimized the implications of these images when they surfaced.
Despite her departure, The Athletic, under the ownership of the New York Times, intends to proceed with an investigation into Russini’s conduct during her tenure. This was confirmed by executive editor Steven Ginsberg in a communication to staff members following Russini’s resignation.
In a statement, Russini firmly asserted that her decision to step down should not be interpreted as an admission of any wrongdoing with Vrabel. “I am resigning not because I agree with the narrative that has been spun around this incident, but because I refuse to fuel it further or allow it to overshadow my career,” she explained.
She further emphasized, “Throughout my career, I have covered the NFL with unwavering professionalism and commitment. I stand by every piece I have ever published.”
‘I do so (resign) 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,’ she said.
‘I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published.
Dianna Russini has resigned from The Athletic amid the storm around Mike Vrabel
Russini and Vrabel were pictured holding hands at an adults-only resort in Arizona
‘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.’
Days later, The Athletic announced it was reinvestigating Russini and that she would be sidelined during that process.
Ginsberg’s message to Athletic reporters on Tuesday said: ‘When this situation was brought to our attention last week, there were clear concerns, but we received a detailed explanation and it was our instinct to support and defend a colleague while we continued to review the matter.
‘As additional information emerged, new questions were raised that became part of our investigation.
‘While our investigation into Dianna’s conduct was ongoing, she chose to resign. We will continue a standards review of Dianna’s work.’
But Russini has now left the organization, saying that the scrutiny around the incident has been too damaging.
‘This media frenzy is hurtling forward without regard for the review process The Athletic is trying to complete,’ she said. ‘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.’
Russini married fast food executive Kevin Goldschmidt in 2020 during the pandemic
Vrabel and wife Jen seen at his announcement as head coach of the Patriots in January 2025
Russini shared her letter of resignation on X, adding as a caption: ‘I submitted my letter of resignation to The Athletic. Everything I have to say about it is below.’
She turned the comments off on her post, something she did not intially do last week when she posted about the NFL two days after the pictures had emerged.
Russini joined The Athletic in 2023 after nearly a decade at ESPN, where she held various roles, including SportsCenter anchor, NFL analyst and insider.
She hosted a podcast for The Athletic and made appearances on their video platform.
Vrabel didn’t attend the Patriots’ pre-draft press conference on Monday after hosting it in 2025.
Dianna Russini seen interviewing Mike Vrabel last year after he got the Patriots job
Vice president of player personnel, Eliot Wolf, faced the media instead and without being directly asked about Russini, insisted nothing had changed with Vrabel and planning for the 2026 season.
‘Very involved, business as usual,’ Wolf said. ‘He’s been in there with us, this round of meetings, probably a little more than he was last year.’
Vrabel, who led the Patriots to the Super Bowl in his first season as head coach, will now likely speak to New England media after the NFL Draft, which starts next Thursday in Pittsburgh.
