Dianna Russini is reportedly making a determined effort to revive her NFL reporting career after becoming embroiled in a scandal earlier this year.
Russini resigned from The Athletic, which is owned by The New York Times Company, in April. Her departure came soon after photos emerged showing her at an adults-only resort in Arizona with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel.
Russini and Vrabel, who are both married and have children, denied having an affair. However, the images prompted widespread speculation about their relationship. More photos later surfaced, including pictures that reportedly showed the pair kissing at a New York bar in March 2020.
According to Page Six, Russini has now enlisted veteran crisis publicist Melissa Nathan as she works toward a professional comeback following the controversy.
Although Russini and Vrabel are both said to have moved on from the matter, the continued media attention has reportedly prompted the NFL insider to seek professional help, a source told the outlet.
The Daily Mail contacted Nathan for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
Dianna Russini has reportedly hired veteran crisis publicist Melissa Nathan
Russini became embroiled in allegations that she had an affair with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel
Nathan is a prominent Hollywood publicist who has represented celebrities including Logan Paul, Johnny Depp and Justin Baldoni.
She has also found herself at the center of headlines over the past year because of the high-profile dispute surrounding the film It Ends With Us.
Nathan is currently involved in litigation with fellow publicist Stephanie Jones. Jones has alleged that Nathan orchestrated online smear campaigns during the production and promotion of Baldoni and Blake Lively’s adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel. Nathan has denied any wrongdoing.
For several months, Russini has been rumored to be considering a return to the spotlight and a new chapter in her career.
Page Six reported that Russini is weighing offers to return to the NFL beat and is preparing to tell her side of the story.
The outlet reported last month that Russini, 43, has rejected numerous interview requests and plans to speak publicly “on her own terms.” She was reportedly earning about $800,000 a year at The Athletic.
Russini posted her resignation letter to The Athletic’s executive editor, Steven Ginsberg, on social media on April 14.
“I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published,” she wrote.
Russini left her position at The Athletic, while Vrabel has remained the Patriots’ head coach
The former Athletic NFL insider is reportedly pursuing a career comeback after the scandal
“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 to 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.’
Although both Vrabel and Russini initially denied cheating on their respective spouses, the Patriots coach has since apologized for his ‘actions,’ while stopping short of specifically admitting to an affair.
He issued an apology just before the NFL Draft, missing the final day of the event to attend counseling.
Vrabel, who led the Patriots to the Super Bowl in February, was last month forced to address rumors of a rift between him and his quarterback.
‘He heard from who?’ Vrabel asked on The Greg Hill Show. ‘Unnamed sources? Let me just tell you why I’m here. I’m here because Drake was the quarterback.
Russini covered the Tennessee Titans for ESPN when Vrabel was head coach of the team
The head coach is pictured with his wife Jen (second left), whom he married in 1999
‘Believe it or not, I had choices as to where I wanted to coach. I wanted to coach here because Drake was the quarterback. So, I don’t have really much other to add to that about a comment from an unnamed source. But I’ll just tell you what I’ve told numerous people if they want to ask me why I’m here.’
Maye has also rubbished the claims, hailing Vrabel and insisting nothing has changed regarding their relationship.
‘Coach Vrabel’s been one of the best football coaches I’ve had in my life,’ Maye said, via a transcript from the team. ‘I think Coach Vrabel’s been one of the biggest things as to why this has been so enjoyable for me is playing for Coach.
‘I think we all feel that way in the locker room. He pushes us hard. I’ve loved playing for him, and it’s not going to change. It hasn’t changed, and it won’t change. The way he pushes me, and he coaches the quarterbacks in a way that I really respect, and I’m looking forward to getting going, proving to Coach that I can lead this football team and play good football.’
