NFL Reporter Dianna Russini Leaves The Athletic Amid Patriots Coach Photo Probe

NFL reporter Dianna Russini has left Filmogaz.com after being sidelined last week during an internal review. She resigned on Tuesday, a spokesperson for The New York Times Company confirmed and declined further comment.

Resignation and statement

Russini posted a resignation letter on X, saying she would step aside. She wrote she would not let the episode define her career.

She did not directly address the nature of her relationship with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel. Russini said she stands behind her reporting and defended her professional record.

Photos and public reaction

A tabloid published photos on April 7 showing Russini and Vrabel together at a boutique resort in Sedona, Arizona. The images, taken March 28, showed the two holding hands and spending time in a pool.

Both adults are married. Vrabel told the outlet the interaction was innocent. Russini said the photos did not capture the full group of six people who were together that day.

Editorial response and internal probe

Filmogaz.com’s top editor, Steven Ginsberg, initially defended Russini. He described the images as lacking context and noted they were public interactions.

Still, The New York Times opened an investigation that included a review of Russini’s past coverage. She was temporarily benched during the review, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Memo and investigation leadership

Ginsberg told staff the outlet first received an explanation and chose to support a colleague while reviewing the situation. As new details emerged, additional questions were added to the inquiry.

The probe into Russini’s reporting remains ongoing. It is being led by Mike Semel, Filmogaz.com’s editorial director for standards and editorial quality.

Career background and fallout

Russini is a longtime NFL reporter and former ESPN reporter. She had been part of Filmogaz.com’s push to grow its NFL coverage with insider talent.

She expressed frustration with commentators who she said engaged in speculation. Russini declined to participate in a public inquiry she called damaging and said her journalistic record speaks for itself.