SEDONA — Dianna Russini resigned from The Athletic on April 14, 2026, following the publication of photos showing her with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel at an Arizona resort. The New York Post's Page Six published the photos on April 7, 2026.

The images, taken on March 28, 2026, at the Ambiente resort in Sedona, Arizona, depicted Russini and Vrabel holding hands and hugging. Both were married to other people at the time. Vrabel attended Arizona State's pro day in Tempe on March 27, and the two had breakfast together on the morning of March 28. The NFL's annual league meeting commenced at the Arizona Biltmore hotel in Phoenix on March 29.

Vrabel stated the photos showed "a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable." He added, "This doesn't deserve any further response." On April 13, Vrabel commented on decision-making, stating, "In order to be successful on and off the field, you have to make good decisions. That includes me. That starts with me." Vrabel later skipped the third day of the 2026 NFL Draft on April 25 to be with his family.

Russini, an NFL Insider, stated, "The photos don't represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day." She also noted, "Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues." Front Office Sports reported on April 10 that The Athletic reopened its investigation into Russini's conduct. Russini's contract was set to expire at the end of June 2026, and her annual salary was approximately $800,000.

In her resignation letter, posted as a screenshot on X on April 14, Russini wrote, "I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published." She added, "When the Page Six item first appeared, The Athletic supported me unequivocally, expressed confidence in my work and pride in my journalism." Russini referred to the controversy as "attacks against me" and stated she had "no interest in submitting to a public inquiry that has already caused far more damage than I am willing to accept." Danielle Rhoades Ha, a Times Co. spokesperson, described Russini's actions as "unacceptable conduct" and stated, "The photos that ultimately ran raised new questions about Dianna's conduct."

Why It Matters

The resignation followed an internal investigation by The Athletic, which The New York Times Company purchased in 2022. Russini joined The Athletic in 2023 from ESPN. The situation involved public statements from Russini and Vrabel, and led to Vrabel missing a day of the NFL Draft. This incident generated a discussion about professional boundaries for journalists interacting with sources outside of traditional venues.