NFL reporter Dianna Russini has resigned from The Athletic following the circulation of vacation photos showing her with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, though the NFL has stated it will not investigate Vrabel's conduct.
Russini submitted her resignation letter on April 14 to The Athletic's executive editor Steven Ginsberg, obtained by the Associated Press. In it, she defended her professional integrity while citing a "media frenzy" as her reason for stepping down before her contract expires on June 30.
"I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published," Russini wrote. "Unfortunately, commentators in various media have engaged in self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from the facts."
She continued, "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."
NFL chief spokesperson Brian McCarthy told ESPN that the league is not reviewing Vrabel's behavior under its personal conduct policy, which requires coaches to avoid "conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the National Football League."
Both individuals have publicly addressed the photos. In an April 8 statement, Russini said the images "don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day" and noted that "like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues."
Vrabel, who has been married since 1999, stated on April 7, "These photos show a completely innocent interaction. This doesn’t deserve any further response."
Russini, who married Shake Shack executive Kevin Goldschmidt in 2022, expressed gratitude for The Athletic's support when the photos first emerged but ultimately decided to leave her position.