Just days after The Athletic launched an investigation into Dianna Russini's connection with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, the longtime insider announced that she's moving on from her current role with the publication.
A week ago, Page Six shared photos of Russini and Vrabel holding hands and hugging during an encounter at a luxurious hotel in Sedona, Arizona. These photos were captured in late March right before the NFL's annual league meeting.
The Athletic and the New York Times initially said they were standing by Russini during this scandal. However, it was reported last Friday by Front Office Sports that an internal investigation was underway.
Though the investigation hasn't ended yet, Russini revealed that she's stepping down before her contract expires in late June. Her statement to Steven Ginsberg, the executive editor for The Athletic, was obtained by The Associated Press.
"I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published. 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 said.
"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. 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."
© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
We're not sure what's next for Russini, who previously worked at ESPN. For what it's worth, she received an offer from the popular radio host known as Stugotz.
“I’ll tell you this on the front end of any Dianna Russini discussion I’m going to have. If The Athletic gets rid of her, she’ll be sitting right next to me and Izzy doing the show,” Stugotz said. “I support my friends, I don’t bail on my friends, especially at their worst professional time in their history. I don’t do that to them, ok?”
What about Mike Vrabel?
The Patriots don't seem interested in parting ways with Vrabel. In fact, vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf said the veteran coach has been involved in their pre-draft meetings.
Vrabel, meanwhile, hasn't said anything since his initial statement where he called out the "laughable" rumors about him and Russini.
“These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable,” Vrabel told the New York Post. “This doesn’t deserve any further response.”
As of now, Vrabel is set to coach the Patriots this fall.
