The WorldWide Leader may now be tainted by the biggest drama in the sports media world.
The Dianna Russini-Mike Vrabel scandal now spans the reporter’s time at ESPN after Page Six published Thursday newly obtained photos of the two kissing at a Manhattan bar in 2020.
Russini was with ESPN from 2015-23 — closely covering Vrabel’s time as Titans coach from 2018-23 — before leaving for The Athletic.
© Page Six
At the time, Russini was engaged to be married.
Vrabel was — and still is — married to his wife, Jen.
“They were kissing and they were all over each other,” an eyewitness told Page Six of the new photos. “He had a ring on.”
The Athletic supported Russini unequivocally when Page Six first published photos of her on April 7 with the current Patriots coach at an adults-only resort in Arizona last month.
The outlet later announced it would be investigating Russini’s reporting, and the NFL insider then resigned from the website.
“When this situation was brought to our attention last week, there were clear concerns, but we received a detailed explanation and it was our instinct to support and defend a colleague while we continued to review the matter,” Athletic Executive Editor Steven Ginsberg told staff in a letter after Russini’s resignation.
“As additional information emerged, new questions were raised that became part of our investigation. We will continue a standards review of Dianna’s work that [the Athletic’s Editorial Director for Standards and Editorial Quality] Mike Semel is leading.”
Russini defended her reporting in her resignation letter.
“I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published…” she said. “I have decided to step aside now — before my current contract expires on June 30. I do so not because I accept the narrative that has been constructed around this episode, but because I refuse to lend it further oxygen or to let it define me or my career.”
Vrabel spoke on the subject for the first time Tuesday, saying he discussed the matter with the team.
He then announced Wednesday night that he would miss the third day of the NFL draft on Saturday and would be seeking counseling.
ESPN declined to comment on the matter.
