Dianna Russini Makes Accusation After Resigning From The Athletic, ‘Sexist Attack On A Female…’

Every time we think that the buzz surrounding Dianna Russini might be dying down, she grabs fresh headlines. The longtime NFL reporter became the subject of public scrutiny after Page Six published a number of exclusive photos featuring her and the 50-year-old New England Patriots head coach, Mike Vrabel, in alleged PDA. According to reports, the photos were taken back on March 28, 2026, but were published a few days later on April 7, 2026. 

What angered netizens was the fact that both Mike and Dianna are currently married to their respective spouses. While Dianna had already resigned from her job at The Athletic amid the scandal, she has now opened up about the reaction to her viral photos with Mike, calling it sexist.

Dianna Russini claims the reaction to her photos was sexist in nature 

If a report by ESPN media insider, Ben Strauss is to be believed, Dianna Russini has accused the reaction to her now-viral photos with Mike Vrabel of being a “sexist attack on a female reporter in a male-dominated field.” Apparently, her workplace, The Athletic, had been pushing Dianna to provide proof of her initial claim that she was at the Arizona resort not just with Mike but also with a bunch of her friends. However, as of now, Dianna has reportedly not been able to come up with the proof. Ben Strauss reported:

“While The Athletic had been quick to rush to her defence 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.”

Dianna Russini resigned from The Athletic amid her alleged cheating buzz with Mike Vrabel 

In the photos, which were released by Page Six, Dianna and Mike Vrabel were seen holding hands, hugging, and lounging together in a hot tub at the Ambiente resort. Owing to the media circus and public scrutiny that followed this, on April 14, 2026, Dianna announced that she was leaving her job at The Athletic. Reports suggested that she had sent a letter to Steven Ginsberg, who is the executive editor at The Athletic. The letter’s contents were revealed to the public after the Associated Press obtained it. According to the publication, Dianna wrote:

“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.”

Dianna stated in her letter that in the days that followed, many commentators in the media “have engaged in self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from the facts.” Calling the situation unfortunate, she wrote about how the media has been disregarding the review process that her employer, The Athletic, is trying to complete. What’s worse is that things keep escalating because of the repeated leaks. This is why, at this point, she has no interest in submitting to a public inquiry, adding that the photos have caused her more damage than she is willing to admit. Dianna concluded by stating: 

“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.”

What are your thoughts on Dianna Russini calling the reaction to her photos with Mike Vrabel sexist? Let us know. 

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