NFL reporter Dianna Russini has resigned from The Athletic barely a week after photographs surfaced showing her with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel at an Arizona resort. The images, published by the New York Post before the NFL owners meetings in Phoenix, triggered an internal review by the New York Times-owned outlet.

Russini maintained her career-long professionalism in a letter to Executive Editor Steven Ginsberg, stating she refused to submit to a public inquiry fueled by leaks and speculation. She opted to step aside immediately rather than wait for her contract expiration on June 30, asserting the media frenzy caused excessive damage.

Both Russini and Vrabel, who steered the Patriots to a 14-3 record last season and earned AP NFL Coach of the Year honors, had previously downplayed the photos as innocent interactions among a larger group. Despite initial support from The Athletic leadership praising her work, the pressure mounted following external reports.

Vrabel, a three-time Super Bowl winner as a player, now faces the season preparing for his second year leading the Patriots following their Super Bowl loss to Seattle. Russini departs after joining The Athletic in 2023 following a long tenure at ESPN.