NFL reporter Dianna Russini exits The Athletic amid probe over photos with Patriots coach | CNN Business

Dianna Russini resigned from The Athletic on Tuesday, a week after the star NFL reporter was sidelined amid an internal investigation into her relationship with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. A spokesperson for The New York Times Company, which owns The Athletic, confirmed her resignation and declined further comment about the circumstances. In a resignation letter that she shared on X, Russini said she was stepping aside “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.” Russini notably did not address the nature of her relationship with Vrabel. However, she said, “I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published.” On April 7, Page Six shared photos showing Russini and Vrabel holding hands, embracing and spending time in a pool together at a boutique resort in Sedona, Arizona. The photos were taken on March 28, according to the publication, which noted that both adults are married. Vrabel told Page Six that the photos showed “a completely innocent interaction