The only non-press release comments Dianna Russini has made since her alleged affair with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel are ones she wanted back.
Russini, the former NFL insider for The Athletic, told The New York Times — which owns The Athletic — via text in May how she faced “intense scrutiny and personal attacks” after Page Six’s shocking reveal of her and Vrabel spending time together at a resort in Arizona in March.
“This has had a significant impact on my life, both professionally and personally,” Russini wrote while referring to herself as an ex-journalist, according to The Times.
Russini, 43, asked said New York Times reporter not to quote her, but the individual told her they had not agreed to an off-the-record conversation where such details could be withheld.
She “objected” and emailed The Athletic publisher David Perpich, plus two senior Times editors, to inform them of her wish not to be quoted, per The Times.
Those comments mark the only insight into Russini’s mindset since her April resignation as this scandal has dominated headlines and more reports have come to light about her and Vrabel’s alleged affair.
Both are married with children and still with their partners as of this time.
Page Six first published photos of the two holding hands and sitting close to one another in a pool at the Ambiente in Sedona, Ariz.
Russini pushed back against the idea of the photos show her crossing professional and relationship lines.
“The photos don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day,” she told Page Six at the time, with a source close to her saying she was with friends.
“Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues.”
Vrabel, 50, went even further in his dismissal.
“These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable,” he said in a statement. “This doesn’t deserve any further response.”
The Athletic’s executive editor Steve Ginsberg initially defended Russini with a strong statement.
“These photos are misleading and lack essential context,” Ginsberg told Page Six.
“These were public interactions in front of many people. Dianna is a premier journalist covering the NFL and we’re proud to have her at the Athletic.”
The Athletic ultimately launched an investigation that has yet to conclude, but more photos of the two emerged and Russini ultimately resigned from the outlet on April 14.
Page Six published photos of the two kissing in a New York City bar in 2020 when Russini worked for ESPN and Vrabel coached the Titans.
TMZ later released photos of the two enjoying a boating trip in 2021 while Russini was pregnant with her and husband Kevin Goldschmidt’s first son.
In her resignation letter to Ginsberg, Russini defended her ethics against what she called “recent attacks.”
“I have come to this decision with deep sadness but with clarity about what is right for me, my family, and the work I have spent in my career building,” Russini wrote. ” I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published. When the Page Six item first appeared, The Athletic supported me unequivocally, expressed confidence in my work and pride in my journalism. For that I am grateful. In the days that followed, unfortunately, commentators in various media have engaged in self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from the facts.
“Moreover, this media frenzy is hurtling forward without regard for the review process The Athletic is trying to complete. It continues to escalate, fueled by repeated leaks, and I have no interest in submitting to a public inquiry that has already caused far more damage than I am willing to accept. Rather than allowing this to continue, 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.”
Ginsberg wrote to The Athletic staff to confirm the resignation and offered new insight into the company’s handling of the situation.
“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,” he said in a statement in mid-April.
“As additional information emerged, new questions were raised that became part of our investigation.”
While Russini has stepped down from her job that paid her $800,000 annually, Vrabel has avoided any penalty from the NFL and Patriots.
He did not attend Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft, though, and would be seeking counseling.
“My previous actions don’t meet the standard that I hold myself to. They don’t,” Vrabel told reporters ahead of the 2026 draft. “What I believe is best for the two most important things in my life — my family and this football team — is for us to take the necessary steps to work together and to give them what I told them I’d give them which is the best version of me and that’s what we’re gonna do.
“That’s gonna start, it has started. That will continue this weekend and it will continue for however long it takes for me to give them and complete that promise, giving them the best version of me possible. That’s what’s gonna happen and that’s what’s been happening.
“…My priorities are my family and this football team, and in that order. There is a balance there that I’m going to create. My family needs me this weekend and that’s where I’ll be.”
When asked about his previous comments calling the reporting “laughable,” Vrabel had a much different approach.
“That’s a private and personal matter,” Vrabel said. “I think that was an attempt to protect your family. I would never be dismissive, but I think my family and this football team are the most important thing. That’s what I’m gonna do and I’m excited about the challenge with both of those things.”
