Dianna Russini resigned from her job at the Athletic after Page Six published photos of her at a luxury hotel with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel.
The NFL reporter submitted her resignation in a letter to Athletic Executive Editor Steven Ginsberg, obtained by Page Six.
Read Dianna Russini’s full statement posted Tuesday.
Please accept this letter as my resignation from The Athletic, effective immediately. I have come to this decision with deep sadness but with clarity about what is right for me, my family and the work. I have spent my career building.
You and I have already publicly addressed the recent attacks against me, and I have nothing to add publicly to what we have said. I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published.
When the Page Six item first appeared, The Athletic supported me unequivocally, expressed confidence in my work and pride in my journalism. For that I am grateful.
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In the days that followed, unfortunately, commentators in various media have engaged in self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from the facts. Moreover, this media frenzy is hurtling forward without regard for the review process The Athletic is trying to complete. It continues to escalate, fueled by repeated leaks, and I have no interest in submitting to a public inquiry that has already caused far more damage than I am willing to accept.
Rather than allowing this to continue, I have decided to step aside now — before my current contract expires on June 30. I do so not because I accept the narrative that has been constructed around this episode, but because I refuse to lend it further oxygen or to let it define me or my career.
Over a career spanning more than fifteen years in sports journalism — at NBC, ESPN, and The Athletic — I have built a body of work I am proud of. I have broken stories, earned the trust of sources across the league, and been guided by the highest standards of professional conduct. That record speaks for itself.
I remain grateful to The Athletic and for the extraordinary colleagues with whom I have worked there, for the platform it provided, and. for the support you showed me during this difficult time. I wish you nothing but continued success.
