Dianna Russini, an NFL reporter who joined The Athletic in 2023, has resigned amid controversy following the publication of photos showing her with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel. The images, taken at a luxury resort in Sedona, Arizona, before NFL owners meetings on March 29, prompted an internal investigation at The Athletic. In a letter to executive editor Steven Ginsberg, Russini expressed her frustration with the media speculation surrounding the photos, which she claims were taken out of context. Both she and Vrabel, who are married to other people, stated that their interaction was platonic. Russini, who previously worked at ESPN for nearly a decade, emphasized her dedication to journalism and her desire to avoid further public scrutiny. The Athletic initially supported her but expanded its review after questions arose regarding her coverage of Vrabel and their relationship. Vrabel, preparing for his second season as coach of the Patriots, previously won the AP NFL Coach of the Year award.