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Executive Resignation · Journalism Ethics · Media Integrity · Sports Reporting
NFL reporter Dianna Russini resigned from The Athletic, a New York Times-owned sports outlet, on April 14, 2026, following an internal investigation prompted by published photos of her with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel at an Arizona resort.
The New York Post last week published photos depicting Russini and Vrabel, both married, holding hands and hugging, which they both downplayed as "innocent interaction." The Athletic initially supported Russini, but Executive Editor Steven Ginsberg stated "additional information emerged" raising new questions, leading to an ongoing investigation into her conduct. Russini, who joined The Athletic in 2023 after nearly a decade at ESPN, stated in a letter obtained by The Associated Press that she resigned to avoid a "public inquiry" and "media frenzy" fueled by leaks, refusing to let it define her career.
Ginsberg confirmed the resignation and the continuation of the review of Russini's work.
