The knock on the car window changed everything for Dianna Russini’s career at The Athletic. According to a new New York Times report, a New York Post reporter appeared at Dianna Russini’s home on Easter Sunday. Her reported $800,000-a-year career began unraveling in real time.
What We Know: According to the NY Times, Russini told The Post she had been at the Sedona hotel on a girls’ trip. However, over two days following she provided no photos or receipts to support that account. Russini and New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel reportedly worked together to coordinate their responses to The Post. Rather than calling her direct bosses first, The Times states she reached out to New York Times Company CEO Meredith Kopit Levien. She then redirected Russini to The Athletic executive editor Steven Ginsberg and publisher David Perpich. Critically, The Athletic executives were unaware The Post had first contacted Russini two days earlier. Instead, they learned of the story only hours before publication. Ginsberg had seen only some of the photos before issuing his statement of support. However, more images than he originally reviewed ultimately ran in the piece.
What They Said: Dianna Russini (via resignation letter): “I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published,”
Steven Ginsberg, executive editor of The Athletic (following the initial publication of the photos by the New York Post): “These photos are misleading and lack essential context. These were public interactions in front of many people. Dianna is a premier journalist covering the NFL and we’re proud to have her at The Athletic.”
What Remains Unclear: The Athletic’s internal review of Russini’s reporting work continues, even months after her departure. The New York Times has not completed its investigation, with top editors telling staff a report remains weeks away. Whether Russini’s reporting on Vrabel or the Patriots reflected any undisclosed conflict of interest remains the central unresolved question. According to the new reporting, a friend of Russini’s said she resigned to reimagine her career and spend more time with her children. Whether or not Russini will make any additional comments on the matter is unknown.
What It Means: Wednesday’s reporting by The New York Times provides some added layers to the timeline of when Russini was made aware of the photos to her decision to resign. What isn’t clear is why this information was released before the official results of the internal investigation into her work. The reporting leaves many questions due to several Times/Athletic staff not being allowed to go on record as of yet. However, it does paint the picture that Russini went to Vrabel first about the photos before her own employer. Whether or not Russini will comment on the reporting remains to be seen.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.