NFL Twitter didn’t need another storyline this offseason. And yet, here we are. Dianna Russini, one of the most respected NFL insiders in the game, formerly of ESPN and most recently at The Athletic, is no longer employed. And the reason? Photos. Very incriminating photos.The New York Post published pictures of Russini and New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel at a luxury resort in Sedona, Arizona. We’re talking hot tub. Holding hands. Rooftop deck. The whole situationship package. And oh yes, both of them are married. To other people.Cue the internet absolutely losing its mind.
Jon ‘Stugotz’ Weiner steps in with a public offer that could shape Dianna Russini’s comeback story
Dianna Russini hasn’t been unemployed for long before an offer landed. Jon “Stugotz” Weiner, host of the podcast Big Stuy and a longtime friend, publicly put a seat at his table on the record. No deadline, no conditions. “If Dianna Russini decides one day, three months from now, a year from now, two years from now, that she wants to get back into this game, she has a place right here,” he said. Loyalty? Unmatched.
Here’s the context you need. Russini, one of the most recognized NFL insiders in the business, formerly of ESPN and most recently at The Athletic, resigned on April 14 after The New York Post published photos of her and New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel at a luxury resort in Sedona, Arizona. Hot tube. Holding hands. Russini said the photos don’t tell the full story and that six people were present. Vrabel called it “a completely innocent interaction” and said any other suggestion was “laughable.” The Athletic’s executive editor Steven Ginsberg initially backed her, calling her “a premier journalist” and the photos “misleading.” Then The New York Times, which owns The Athletic, quietly opened an investigation into her conduct. The support evaporated pretty fast after that.Rather than sit around while her employer went through her entire body of work, Russini resigned immediately. In her letter she said she refused to let the situation “define her or her career.” The Athletic confirmed the review of her reporting would continue even after she walked out. Vrabel, for his part, kept his job, showed up to NFL Draft press conferences, and is currently just… coaching football.
What’s next for Dianna Russini as she steps away from the spotlight and focuses on family
Sources say Russini is still processing everything. She’s staying out of the spotlight, focusing on her kids, and hasn’t made any decisions about what comes next. The Stugotz offer is sitting there, open-ended but a full comeback to NFL media? Not confirmed. Not yet anyway.Vrabel, meanwhile, kept his job, attended NFL Draft press conferences, and is out here coaching football like it’s a regular Tuesday.The NFL: where coaches survive scandals and reporters resign. Classic.
