NFL reporter Diana Russini's tenure at The Athletic has ended. Russini has resigned from The Athletic after photos of him and New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel were leaked, the reporter confirmed Tuesday. The photos prompted an internal investigation of the company.
The photos were taken ahead of the NFL owners' meetings scheduled to begin on March 29 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Athletic has confirmed Rasini's resignation from the sports outlet.
Diana Russini's statement after resignation from The Athletic
"I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story ever published," Russini said in a letter. "When the Page Six item first came out, The Athletic clearly supported me, expressed confidence in my work and was proud of my journalism. For that, I am grateful. In the days since, unfortunately, commentators in various media have engaged in self-indulgent speculation that is at odds with the facts."
"Furthermore, this media frenzy is proceeding without regard to the review process The Athletic is trying to complete. It is continuing to escalate due to repeated leaks, and I have no interest in engaging in a public scrutiny that has already done more harm than I care to admit. Rather than allow this to continue, I have decided to step aside now – before my current contract expires on June 30. I am not doing this because I accept the story constructed around this episode, but not because I refuse to let it consume oxygen or let it define me or my career.
Russini joined The Athletic in 2023 after spending time with ESPN. The NFL reporter denies the narrative that has been created between him and Vrabel. There has been no further statement from the Patriots head coach following Russini's resignation.
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