Dianna Russini Addresses Fallout from Mike Vrabel Scandal, Athletic Resignation

NFL insider Dianna Russini is no longer staying silent about her dynamic with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel.

Page Six sent the NFL world into a frenzy on April 7 by sharing photos of Russini and Vrabel hugging at a hotel in Arizona. That didn't sit well with the public since they're both married to other people. Additional photos of them were released by Page Six on Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft. As if that wasn't bad enough, TMZ reported that Russini and Vrabel had a boat day in June 2021. For those unfamiliar with her background, she was pregnant with her first child at the time.

The New York Times dropped an extensive piece this Wednesday on Russini and the fallout regarding her connection with Vrabel. It was revealed that she was receiving an annual salary of $800,000 while covering the NFL for the accomplished newspaper.

Before the first photos of Russini and Vrabel were officially released, The Athletic was discussing a new contract for its top NFL insider. However, she ultimately resigned due to the "media frenzy" surrounding her.

"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," Russini said in her resignation letter. "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."

NFL fans haven't heard from Russini since her resignation. That being said, she briefly spoke to the New York Times about her situation.

Unsurprisingly, Russini said this scandal has impacted her personal life and career as a reporter.

"This has had a significant impact on my life, both professionally and personally," Russini told the New York Times.

Russini is being investigated by the New York Times.

The New York Times and The Athletic previously announced that Russini's behavior and past reporting would be investigated.

"Some inside the New York Times building are beginning to wonder what's taking so long with the Dianna Russini investigation, we're told - but top editors have reiterated promises that it's coming. Though they say a report is still ‘weeks' away," Page Six reported earlier this month.

According to Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports, this investigation isn't over yet.

It's possible the investigation makes or breaks Russini's future in sports media.

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This story was originally published June 24, 2026 at 9:58 AM.