Dianna Russini, who covered nan NFL for The Athletic, has resigned pursuing nan publication of photos showing her astatine an Arizona edifice pinch nan caput coach of nan New England Patriots, Mike Vrabel.
The New York Post publication of nan photos, which showed Russini and Vrabel holding hands and hugging, promoted an investigation astatine The Athletic.
In a missive to The Athletic’s executive editor, Steven Ginsberg, Russini wrote, “When nan Page Six point first appeared, The Athletic supported maine unequivocally, expressed assurance successful my activity and pridefulness successful my journalism. For that I americium grateful.”
“In nan days that followed, unfortunately, commentators successful various media person engaged successful self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from nan facts. Moreover, this media frenzy is hurtling guardant without respect for nan reappraisal process The Athletic is trying to complete. It continues to escalate, fueled by repeated leaks, and I person nary liking successful submitting to a nationalist enquiry that has already caused acold much harm than I americium consenting to accept.”
Per The Athletic, successful a statement to staffers, Ginsberg wrote, “When this business was brought to our attraction past week, location were clear concerns, but we received a elaborate mentation and it was our small heart to support and take sides a workfellow while we continued to reappraisal nan matter.”
“As further accusation emerged, caller questions were raised that became portion of our investigation. While our investigation into Dianna’s behaviour was ongoing, she chose to resign.” A reappraisal of her activity will continue, The Athletic reported.
Russini and Vrabel told nan Post that nan photos did not show that they were astatine nan edifice pinch friends.
Russini joined The Athletic successful 2023, having antecedently worked astatine ESPN, including arsenic a SportsCenter anchor.