Sports15 April, 20261 min read
Dianna Russini Resigns From The Athletic After Photos With Patriots Coach Mike Vrabel
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.
Russini Resigns
Russini resigned less than a week after photos surfaced showing her and Patriots coach Mike Vrabel at an Arizona resort. The photos showed Vrabel and Russini holding hands, hugging, and sitting together in a hot tub. 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.
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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. 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. Russini's resignation came as The Athletic was investigating her conduct. Ginsberg said a review of her work would continue.
Russini joined The Athletic in 2023 after nearly a decade at ESPN. Vrabel was preparing for his second season as coach of the Patriots. Russini stepped aside before her contract expired on June 30.