標籤: Diana

ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith denied claims of misogyny in photos shown to NFL reporter Diana Russini at an Arizona resort with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel.

We all know the story at this point, right?

New York PostPage Six published the photos and a related story on April 7. The images, taken two weekends ago, showed Vrabel and Russini – both married – holding hands, embracing and relaxing together at the ambient adults-only resort.

Everyone involved pleaded innocent, even though everyone involved tried to debunk the story.

Speaking on his SiriusXM and Mad Dog Sports radio shows, Smith indicated that he clearly trusts Russini and Vrabel.

“I give her the benefit of the doubt. She worked at ESPN for 10 years as my colleague. She’s a wonderful person, she’s a very good reporter, I respect her a lot and I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt,” Smith said.

But that’s based on what he’s seen so far. his mind can do Was changed.

“If she says it’s not true, I will believe her unless evidence to the contrary is provided,” Smith said.

Stephen A. Smith rejects misogyny from Diana Russini-Mike Vrabel coverage: ‘The onus is on her’ https://t.co/YFhNbFcDqA

– Awful Announcement (@awfulaannouncement) 20 April 2026

Stephen A. Smith made a strong comeback: No misogyny here, just responsibility of the reporter

However, beyond that, Stephen A was quick to pour cold water on any arguments that Russini is being treated unfairly because she is the woman in this scandal.

“Having said that, it doesn’t stop me from saying that when you know you’re a reporter and this is the head coach of an NFL team and you cover the NFL, you can’t put yourself in that position,” he insisted.

“I don’t think misogyny applies in this particular case,” Smith said. “The truth of the matter is that he is the head coach of an NFL team. He is a reporter. The responsibility is on him to ensure that his objectivity is not impaired in any way.”

Vrabel, who is married, has faced far fewer professional repercussions, a disparity that has fueled accusations of double standards.

Smith’s comments come after Rasini resigned athletic That’s during an internal investigation sparked by Page Six photos last week showing the pair holding hands and embracing. Russini initially said the images were misleading and lacked context from the large group setting.

“The photos do not represent a group of six people who were hanging out during the day,” Russini told the Post. “Like most NFL reporters, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other locations.”

Vrabel described the photos as “completely innocent conversation and any suggestion otherwise is ridiculous.”

His resignation, along with new reports that Patriots owner Robert Kraft tried to intervene to stop New York Post By publishing photos, tips there iIt is more than that.

Rusty Weis is a lifelong fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Dallas Cowboys and Xavier Musketeers. He has been writing professionally… More about Rusty Weiss

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.

Read more: Report reveals Diana Russini’s Inside Out future in jeopardy due to Mike Vrabel scandal

Austin Konensky is a writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and more. His work can also…more about Austin Konensky

A new report suggests The Athletic probably won’t buy NFL insider Diana Russini’s denial of a possible affair with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel.

There are a number of nationally little-known NFL insiders who offer frequent reports on rumors and news straight from those who work for the various franchises. Men like Adam Schefter, Albert Breer, Ian Rapoport, and Mike Garafolo have become household names to football-loving fans. There are even fewer women who are star NFL insiders. The Athletic’s Diana Russini is one of them.

However, his credibility was largely questioned this week when the New York Post posted photos of him and Patriots coach Mike Vrabel getting very friendly at a high-priced resort in Arizona. Although it’s not a very good look, if they were single, consenting adults, the world would need to get used to it if they were developing a relationship.

Unfortunately, both are married. So, not surprisingly, these photos went viral and turned into a football scandal. However, both Russini and Vrabel quickly denied speculation of an NFL affair.

“The photos do not represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day. Like most NFL reporters, reporters interact with sources away from the stadium and other locations,” the insider said in a statement.

Could Diana Russini be snapped up by The Athletic this summer?

Following this revelation, The Athletic and their parent company, The New York Times, came full circle behind their star insider. Well, that’s not the case now. According to a report from Front Office Sports, the news outlet is now investigating the situation, and she “will not report” to them until the process begins. The report also states that his contract with The Athletic expires in August.

The fact that The Athletic did a complete 180 from support to investigation is very bad news for Russini. Plus, his past comments and rumors of other relationships with individuals inside the league resurfacing don’t help.

After becoming one of the top insiders in the NFL over the years, unless she is completely cleared of any questionable activities by her employer, her credibility in the industry will always be in question. And his brand may be forever damaged in the eyes of fans and football news outlets.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos