© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Dianna Russini is speaking out and is apparently continuing to deny having an affair with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel.
Last week, the NY Post released photos of Russini and Vrabel interlocking fingers and hanging out in a hot tub at an adults-only resort in Arizona.
Both Russini and Vrabel denied the allegations that they were doing anything inappropriate at the resort.
“The photos don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day.” said Russini “Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues.”
On Tuesday, Russini resigned from her job at The Athletic while the organization was conducting an investigation into her journalistic ethics.
I submitted my letter of resignation to The Athletic. Everything I have to say about it is below. pic.twitter.com/401nrtbEsj
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) April 14, 2026
“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. 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.”
The Internet questioned why Russini would resign from her job if she had nothing to hide.
If we’re just being honest this explanation really makes zero sense. I don’t think anybody should lose their job over alleged canoodling but this statement makes it seem like there was definitely canoodling happening. An innocent canoodler would prob welcome a thorough… https://t.co/HCoSBoZ9Ty
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) April 14, 2026
I have no idea who’s giving Dianna advice but none of her statements in this entire mess have made any sense and only makes it worse. She’s essentially called everyone idiots for thinking what the public sees yet has no true case. https://t.co/aAwyCJv8CY
— Chase Snyder (@ChasingSnyder) April 14, 2026