Dianna Russini has resigned from her job at the Athletic after Page Six published photos of her at a luxury hotel with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel.
The veteran NFL reporter shared the news in a letter to Athletic Executive Editor Steven Ginsberg, obtained by Page Six.
“I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published,” the letter said. “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 continued.
The journalist said she’s resigning to stop the speculation and damage surrounding the situation.
“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,” she wrote. “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 had been at the Athletic since 2023 and had the title of Senior NFL Insider.
In a memo to Athletic staff, Ginsberg confirmed Russini’s resignation and said she had chosen to resign while the investigation was still ongoing.
Ginsberg wrote, “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.”
He added, “We will continue a standards review of Dianna’s work that [the Athletic’s Editorial Director for Standards and Editorial Quality] Mike Semel is leading.”
Last month, she and Vrabel — who are both married to other people — were snapped at the Ambiente in Sedona, Arizona, a boutique resort, in exclusive pics obtained by Page Six.
A Page Six spy told us that the pair had breakfast on the patio of the hotel restaurant around 10:30 a.m. on March 28 before spending a leisurely hour or so together at the pool and lounging side-by-side in a hot tub.
Our spy spotted Vrabel and Russini again that evening on the private rooftop of one of the hotel’s bungalows, which are only accessible from the two-person bungalows and cost up to $2,160 a night.
Photos show the two hugging at sunset, and weaving their fingers together as they stand face-to-face. The spy said they saw the pair briefly dance together.
Both Vrabel, 50, and Russini, 43, addressed the photos in statements to Page Six.
Vrabel told us, “These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn’t deserve any further response.”
Russini also told us, “The photos don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day. Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues.”
But the New York Times, who owns the Athletic, sidelined Russini last week, Page Six exclusively reported.
We were told the publication was investigating the situation and “reviewing her coverage,” and that Russini wouldn’t be reporting for the outlet while the probe was underway.
“While the apparent conduct in the photos raised questions for [Ginsberg] and leadership at the Athletic, an initial review suggested the images provided lacked context, specifically the presence of a larger group of friends,” a source told us.
But “new details from the Page Six report and information from the investigation raised additional concerns that are now being reviewed further. The investigation is ongoing,” the source added.
Russini married Shake Shack executive Kevin Goldschmidt in 2020. They have two children.
Vrabel and wife Jen met as student athletes at Ohio State University and have been married for 26 years. They have two sons, one of whom, Tyler, briefly played for the Atlanta Falcons.
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