Dianna Russini has resigned from The Athletic following an investigation into photos of her with Mike Vrabel.
A spokesperson for The New York Times, which owns The Athletic, confirmed the decision days after images emerged showing Russini and the New England Patriots coach together at an Arizona hotel.
The photos, first published by the New York Post, showed the couple poolside, in a hot tub and on a rooftop terrace.
In a letter to editor-in-chief Steven Ginsberg shared on social media, Russini defended her work and criticized the response.
“I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication my entire career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published,” she wrote.
“When the Page Six item first appeared, The Athletic supported me unequivocally, expressing confidence in my work and pride in my journalism. For that I am grateful. In the days that followed, commentators in various media outlets have unfortunately engaged in self-feeding speculation that is simply disconnected from the facts.”
“Furthermore, this media frenzy rages on without regard to the review process that 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 added.
“Rather than allow 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 built around this episode, but because I refuse to give it any more oxygen or let it define me or my career,” Russini wrote.
The New York Times had previously reported that The Athletic was reviewing its conduct, with Ginsberg saying the images were “misleading and lack essential context.”
