Dianna Russini is preparing for her return to sports media this NFL season, intending to address the controversy surrounding her relationship with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. A source familiar with the situation told Page Six that Russini, who resigned from The Athletic in April following an investigation, will discuss the matter once she takes on her next role.
Russini, 43, aims to speak openly about the scandal and move past it. While the exact timeline for her comeback is not yet clear, it is unlikely to occur by the start of Week 1 of the NFL season. She is reportedly considering multiple offers from various outlets, potentially accepting more than one position.
During the unfolding scandal, Russini reportedly received numerous interview requests from major networks, podcasts, and even reality television shows, all of which she declined. She reportedly wants to share her side of the story on her own terms.
The controversy came to light in early April when Page Six published photos of Russini and Vrabel, 51, at a resort in Sedona, Arizona, in late March. Further details emerged, including instances of them being seen together at a New York City bar six years prior.
Russini married Shake Shack executive Kevin Goldschmidt in 2020, and Vrabel married his wife, Jen, in 1999. Both couples have two sons.
The Athletic's internal investigation concluded that Russini's relationship with Vrabel was "in clear violation" of the outlet's standards, with editorial director for standards and quality Mike Semel stating it was a breach that should have been disclosed. Semel noted that he did not find a clear link suggesting Russini used her platform to benefit Vrabel or his teams, but acknowledged some of her past reporting on Vrabel was "awkward or even uncomfortable in hindsight."
Following the investigation's findings, Russini released a statement affirming, "I stand by any and all reporting I’ve ever done in my career." Vrabel, when asked about the investigation, stated he had moved on. Reports indicate that many in the NFL community, including owners, coaches, and players, have been supportive of Russini's potential return to sports media.