Dianna Russini shared her resignation letter after stepping down from The Athletic on Tuesday.
The NFL insider resigned after photographs leaked of her together with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel at an Arizona resort. Russini posted her full email to executive editor Steven Ginsberg in which she submitted her immediate resignation.
"I have come to this decision with deep sadness but with clarity about what is right for me, my family, and the work I have spent my career building," Russini wrote.
Russini explains decision to resign
© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
Russini wrote that she has no further comments to make publicly about the "recent attacks against me." She thanked The Athletic for supporting her after Page Six published the pictures.
Ginsberg told the New York Post that the photos "lacked essential context" and expressed confidence in Russini's professionalism, but The Athletic launched an investigation into her conduct.
"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."
As a result, Russini decided to resign before her contract with The Athletic expires on June 30.
"I do not do so because I accept the narrative that has been constructed around this episode, but because I refuse to lend it further oxygen to let it define me or my career," she wrote.
Russini joined The Athletic in 2023 after eight years at ESPN. The New Jersey native defended her body of work and wished The Athletic well.
"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," Russini 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."
