Dianna Russini has broken her silence after the Mike Vrabel scandal that shook the NFL, Yankee Scores reports.
Russini left The Athletic in April after photos surfaced of her with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel at a resort in Sedona, Arizona. Both denied any impropriety in the images, but the controversy quickly became one of the biggest sports media stories of the year.
The fallout escalated when more photos allegedly surfaced including older ones of Russini and Vrabel from 2020 and The Athletic launched an internal review into her work and professional conduct.
Russini has been mostly quiet publicly, but newly released messages illustrate how much the controversy impacted her to keep going.
Russini Addresses the Scandal
In messages published by The New York Times, “This has had a significant impact on my life, both professionally and personally,” Russini said.
She said the “media frenzy” had taken a toll personally and professionally, while pushing back on the idea that the public narrative reflected the full truth.
“I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published.”
“This media frenzy is hurtling forward without regard for the review process The Athletic is trying to complete,” she added. “I have no interest in submitting to a public inquiry that has already caused far more damage than I am willing to accept.”
Russini also said the scrutiny had limited her ability to do her job, which perhaps explains why her resignation came so quickly after The Athletic began its review.
The scandal broke with her contract expiring and that added yet another layer to an already shaky professional situation.
