Dianna Russini Makes Accusation After Losing NFL Insider Job

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Holleran | Last updated Apr 19, 2026 11:06 AM ET

Dianna Russini, the top NFL insider for The Athletic, resigned from her position on Tuesday night, amid the ongoing scandal with Mike Vrabel.

The former ESPN NFL insider was caught at an Arizona resort with the head coach of the Patriots prior to the league's meetings in Phoenix. Russini and Vrabel were seen in swimsuits by the pool, hugging and holding hands. Russini and Vrabel, who are both married, each denied the understandable speculation surrounding the photos. However, Russini ultimately decided to resign.

“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," Russini said.

“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.

“Over a career spanning more than fifteen years in sports journalism — at NBC, ESPN, and The Athletic — I have built a body of work I am proud of. I have broken stories, earned the trust of sources across the league, and been guided by the highest standards of professional conduct. That record speaks for itself.

“I remain grateful to The Athletic and for the extraordinary colleagues with whom I have worked there, for the platform it provided, and for the support you showed me during this difficult time. I wish you nothing but continued success.”

However, in the wake of her resignation, Russini has made an accusation.

Russini accused reaction to her photos of being sexist in nature

According to a report from ESPN media insider Ben Strauss, Russini accused the reaction to her photos with Vrabel as a "sexist attack on a female reporter in a male-dominated field."

The Athletic reportedly pushed Russini - who claimed that she was at the Arizona resort with a bunch of friends and not just Vrabel - to provide them with some proof of that.

However, she reportedly could not.

"While The Athletic had been quick to rush to her defense ahead of the story, now executives asked for more evidence from Russini such as text messages about an airport pickup, screenshots of planning the trip or photos from a hike, the three people said. They said Russini never provided sufficient evidence. On Friday, April 10, ESPN reported that The Athletic had launched an investigation into her NFL coverage and the nature of her relationship with Vrabel, and a person familiar with the matter told ESPN that she would not be reporting during that process," Strauss reported.

Now, she's out of a job.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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