Dianna Russini has made plenty of headlines this NFL offseason, and apparently she's not done yet.
Russini, who became a breakout star at ESPN, was considered The Athletic's top NFL insider for the past few years. She left the company in April after Page Six released photos of her spending time at a hotel with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel.
"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 in her resignation letter.
"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."
It wasn't until this week that Russini commented on her situation. She told the New York Times that her scandal with Vrabel had a "significant impact" on her professionally and personally.
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Dianna Russini had a huge salary at The Athletic.
The New York Times revealed that Russini had an annual salary of $800,000 while working for The Athletic. She was discussing a new deal prior to her resignation.
NFL fans had an awful lot to say about Russini's lucrative salary.
"A bit more than I would’ve guessed, but makes sense as she was a senior reporter brought over from another network….tough job to lose," one person commented.
"Dianna Russini was making nearly $1 million per year as a senior NFL insider of The Athletic. $800,000. Losing a job like that the way she did is rough," another person said.
"Her weekly articles were just regurgitating news anyone on twitter would have seen already and just adding an opinion to it," a social media user wrote. "Was there any news she actually broke aside from coming from Vrabel?"
It's unclear if Russini will resume her role as an NFL reporter with another publication.
