Resignation and Investigation
NFL reporter Dianna Russini resigned from The Athletic on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, less than a week after the New York Post published photos of her with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel at a resort in Sedona, Arizona. The Athletic, which is owned by The New York Times, had initiated an internal investigation into Russini's conduct following the publication. Subsequently, Coach Vrabel announced he would miss the third day of the NFL draft to attend counseling, stating the situation was a "personal and private matter."
The Photo Publication
The New York Post published photographs of Dianna Russini and Mike Vrabel at a hotel in Sedona, Arizona. The images, which included the pair hugging, holding hands, and lounging by a pool, were taken before the NFL owners meetings that began in Phoenix on March 29. Additional photographs were later published by Page Six and TMZ, showing the two together in March 2020 at a New York City bar and in January 2024 at a casino.
Both Russini and Vrabel are married to other people.
"Those photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable." — Mike Vrabel, in an initial statement to the New York Post.
Resignation of Dianna Russini
Resignation Letter
In a letter of resignation to Athletic Executive Editor Steven Ginsberg, Russini stated she was stepping aside before her contract was set to expire on June 30. She stated: "I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published."
Russini added: "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."
She stated that The Athletic had initially supported her after the photos were published but that media commentary involved "self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from the facts." She said she had "no interest in submitting to a public inquiry."
The Athletic's Investigation
Executive Editor Steven Ginsberg stated in a note to staff: "When this situation was brought to our attention last week, there were clear concerns, but we received a detailed explanation and it was our instinct to support and defend a colleague while we continued to review the matter. As additional information emerged, new questions were raised that became part of our investigation."
Ginsberg confirmed that while the investigation into Russini's conduct was ongoing, she chose to resign. He stated that The Athletic will continue a standards review of her work.
Statements on the Photos
Following the publication of the photos, both Russini and Vrabel provided statements to the New York Post.
- Dianna Russini stated the photos "don't represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day."
- Mike Vrabel stated: "Those photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable."
Background on Dianna Russini
Russini joined The Athletic in 2023 after nearly a decade at ESPN, where she held roles including "SportsCenter" anchor, NFL analyst, and insider. At The Athletic, she hosted a podcast and appeared on the publication's video platform.
Response from Mike Vrabel and the Patriots
Initial and Subsequent Statements
Initially, Vrabel called the interaction "completely innocent" and said the situation did not "deserve any further response."
In a press conference on Tuesday, April 14, Vrabel stated he had "difficult conversations" with his family, the organization, coaches, and players and emphasized making "good decisions." When asked by reporters about Russini's resignation, he declined to answer. The Patriots' Vice President of Communications, Stacey James, instructed reporters to limit questions to football matters.
Counseling Announcement
On Wednesday, April 15, Vrabel told ESPN's Mike Reiss that he would miss the third day of the NFL draft on Saturday, April 18, to attend counseling. Vrabel stated: "I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend... I believe this is what I have to do to be the best husband, father and coach that I possibly can be."
He will be with his family outside Massachusetts but will remain in contact with the team during Rounds 4-7 of the draft. Vrabel expressed confidence in Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf and Vice President of Player Personnel Ryan Cowden to lead the draft room.
On Thursday evening, Vrabel held another press conference before the draft, reiterating his commitment to counseling and thanking team owners Robert and Jonathan Kraft for their support. He explained his initial "laughable" comment as an "attempt to protect [my] family."
League and Team Status
The NFL has confirmed that Vrabel is not under investigation for violating the personal conduct policy. Neither the league nor the New England Patriots have indicated they will investigate the matter further. Vrabel's employment status with the Patriots is not reported to be in question.
Background on Mike Vrabel
Vrabel is preparing for his second season as head coach of the New England Patriots. He was named the AP NFL Coach of the Year for the 2025 season after leading the team to a 14-3 record and a Super Bowl appearance. He previously won the award in 2021 while coaching the Tennessee Titans. As a player, Vrabel won three Super Bowls with the New England Patriots.
Context on Journalistic Standards
The New York Times and The Athletic have standards requiring reporters to "avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest." In a note to staff, Ginsberg stated the outlet initially defended Russini, saying the images lacked context, but expanded its review after additional reporting raised questions about Russini's coverage of Vrabel and their relationship.
Media analysts have suggested Vrabel may need to address the situation with Patriots players to maintain credibility regarding team distractions.