Dianna Russini has stepped down from her role at The Athletic. Her decision ends her tenure with the outlet amid a growing controversy tied to an internal review of her conduct.
Russini confirmed her decision in a letter sent Tuesday to executive editor Steven Ginsberg and obtained by The Associated Press. In the statement, she defended her work and made clear she does not agree with the narrative surrounding recent events.
“I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published,” Russini wrote. She also acknowledged The Athletic’s initial support when reports first surfaced, saying she was grateful for the organization’s confidence in her journalism.
Her departure follows scrutiny connected to reported interactions with Mike Vrabel, head coach of the New England Patriots. Photos published earlier this month showed the two spending time together at an Arizona resort. This prompted questions about a potential conflict of interest.
The Athletic, which is owned by The New York Times, began reviewing the situation shortly after the images became public. The outlet’s editorial standards emphasize avoiding both conflicts and the appearance of conflicts to maintain credibility.
Russini pushed back strongly against the speculation in her letter. She criticized what she described as a media-driven narrative that escalated beyond the facts. Which she stated outpaced the organization’s internal review process.
“In the days that followed, unfortunately, commentators in various media have engaged in self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from the facts,” she wrote. “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.”
She added that the ongoing attention, fueled in part by leaks, played a role in her decision.
“Rather than allowing this to continue, I have decided to step aside now — before my current contract expires on June 30,” she wrote. “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.”
Russini joined The Athletic in 2023 after a prominent run at ESPN where she built a reputation as a well-sourced NFL insider. Her move was widely viewed as a major addition for the subscription-based platform.
During her time with The Athletic, she contributed across written, audio and video formats. Her reporting played a key role in strengthening the outlet’s NFL coverage. Russini’s next move is unclear, though her profile ensures she will remain a sought-after voice in the industry.
Upon receiving Russini’s notice, Steven Ginsberg, Executive Editor of The Athletic shared the memo below with his staff.
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