Image: USA Today

Dianna Russini Resigns From The Athletic After Photos With Patriots Coach Mike Vrabel

15 April, 2026.Sports.10 sources

Key Takeaways

Russini resigned from The Athletic after NY Post photos with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel surfaced.
The Athletic opened an internal investigation into the situation following the photos.
She stated she stood behind every story and cited media speculation.

Russini Resigns

Russini resigned less than a week after photos surfaced showing her and Patriots coach Mike Vrabel at an Arizona resort.

“NFL Reporter Dianna Russini Resigns from The Athletic After Photos Published of Her with Mike Vrabel NFL reporter Dianna Russini has resigned from The Athletic less than a week after published photos of her and New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel at an Arizona resort prompted an internal investigation at The New York Times-owned sports outlet”

Bleacher Report

The photos showed Vrabel and Russini holding hands, hugging, and sitting together in a hot tub.

Bleacher Report

Both are married to other people.

Russini's resignation letter stated The Athletic supported me unequivocally, but commentators engaged in self-feeding speculation.

She had no interest in submitting to a public inquiry that has already caused far more damage.

Ginsberg acknowledged that as additional information emerged, new questions were raised.

Photos and Reactions

The photos were taken at the Ambiente luxury hotel in Sedona, Arizona.

Vrabel and Russini both released statements downplaying what the photos depict.

E! News

Russini said they don't represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day.

Vrabel told the Post those photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable.

The Athletic initially defended Russini, but then launched an investigation.

Patriots VP Eliot Wolf said Vrabel was very involved, business as usual.

Investigation and Aftermath

The Athletic's editorial guidelines require avoiding even the appearance of a conflict of interest.

“NFL reporter Dianna Russini has resigned from The Athletic less than a week after published photos of her and New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel at an Arizona resort prompted an internal investigation at the New York Times-owned sports outlet”