NEW: Prominent NFL Reporter Resigns Over ‘Scandalous’ Pics With Patriots Head Coach

Dianna Russini, a prominent NFL reporter who has contributed to ESPN, the New York Times and The Athletic, announced her resignation from the latter outlet on Tuesday. The resignation follows the release of photos depicting Russini and New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel — both of whom are married —  hugging, holding hands and lounging poolside at a ritzy, adults-only resort in Arizona.

The photos — which were reportedly taken on March 28 — were first released by Page Six last week. Russini and Vrabel were spotted at the adults-only Ambiente resort in Sedona, Arizona—a luxury boutique hotel with private bungalows and panoramic Red Rock views.

They show Russini and Vrabel appearing alone in the intimate, romantic setting, though both have claimed they were with a “larger group.” The photos only show the two together, however.

BREAKING: Patriots HC Mike Vrabel & Married NFL Reporter Dianna Russini Caught Holding Hands, Hugging & Dancing at Luxury Sedona Resort

Russini statement:

"The photos don't represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day. Like most journalists in the NFL,… pic.twitter.com/VkObNI1fla

— TaraBull (@TaraBull) April 8, 2026

The photos have raised questions about the ethics of Russini’s reporting in recent weeks, as she has frequently reported on scoops involving high-profile roster moves for the Patriots. The Athletic — a subsidiary of the New York Times — on Monday confirmed that a thorough investigation had been launched into Russini’s conduct.

Less than a day later, Russini confirmed that she would be resigning from the outlet effective immediately.

“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,” the veteran reporter announced in a written statement.

“In the days that followed, unfortunately, commentators in various media have engaged in self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from the facts. Moreover, this media frenzy is hurtling forward without regard for the review process The Athletic is trying to complete. It continues to escalate, fueled by repeated leaks, and I have no interest in submitting to a public inquiry that has already caused far more damage than I am willing to accept,” she continued.

“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.”

I submitted my letter of resignation to The Athletic. Everything I have to say about it is below. pic.twitter.com/401nrtbEsj

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) April 14, 2026

Despite the resignation, The Athletic has indicated that the investigation into Russini’s conduct and claims surrounding the photos will continue.

“While I can’t share the details of our investigation into Dianna’s conduct, I want to emphasize that the leadership of The Athletic has taken this matter seriously from the moment we learned about it,” Steven Ginsberg, the outlet’s executive editor, told The Guardian.

“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,” Ginsberg wrote. “As additional information emerged, new questions were raised that became part of our investigation.”

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