When longtime NFL insider Dianna Russini resigned from The Athletic earlier this year, she made it clear that she stood by her work and her integrity.
“Over a career spanning more than fifteen years in sports journalism — at NBC, ESPN, and The Athletic — I have built a body of work I am proud of. I have broken stories, earned the trust of sources across the league, and been guided by the highest standards of professional conduct. That record speaks for itself," she said.
“I remain grateful to The Athletic and for the extraordinary colleagues with whom I have worked there, for the platform it provided, and for the support you showed me during this difficult time. I wish you nothing but continued success.”
However, after just a few months, Russini's career in sports journalist might be over.
© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
Dianna Russini told the New York Times in a piece published Wednesday that she is a "former" journalist.
The longtime NFL insider referred to herself as such while texting with a New York Times reporter.
In early May, after The Times began reporting this article, Ms. Russini responded to a reporter’s request for an interview via text message. She cited the “intense scrutiny and personal attacks” she had faced, saying, “This has had a significant impact on my life, both professionally and personally.” At the end of the message, referring to herself as a “former journalist,” Ms. Russini asked the reporter not to quote from the text.
It's tough to see a road back for Russini, at least as an insider
It's possible that Russini could resurface in sports media, perhaps hosting a podcast or doing some personality/analyst work.
However, it's highly unlikely that she will be able to do the job of an insider or reporter/journalist moving forward.
Russini has likely burned too many bridges with the Mike Vrabel scandal, where it'll be very difficult for sources to push information her way.
