Dianna Russini Resigns from The Athletic After Mike Vrabel Photo Scandal

Russini's friend reveals she's 'going through a very difficult time' amid the controversy.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 3:26pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring fragmented geometric shapes in muted earth tones and deep blues, conceptually representing the multi-faceted nature of a sports media scandal.A conceptual illustration capturing the complex dynamics and ethical questions raised by a sports media scandal involving a journalist and a team coach.Sedona Today

Sports journalist Dianna Russini has resigned from her position as Senior NFL Insider at The Athletic after photos of her and New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel surfaced, sparking a scandal. Russini's former ESPN colleague, Jon 'Stugotz' Weiner, confirmed he spoke with Russini and said she is 'going through a very difficult time' but 'will survive this.' Weiner also defended Russini, stating that the entire sports industry is 'littered with conflicts of interest.'

Why it matters

The photo scandal has raised questions about journalistic ethics and the boundaries between sports media and team personnel. Russini's resignation highlights the potential consequences for reporters when personal relationships with sources become public.

The details

The photos, published by Page Six, showed Russini and Vrabel spending time together at a resort in Sedona, Arizona, including holding hands and briefly dancing. Russini has been married to Shake Shack executive Kevin Goldschmidt since 2020, while Vrabel has been married to Jen Vrabel since 1999. Both have denied any improper relationship, with Vrabel calling the interaction 'completely innocent.' However, the New York Times has launched an investigation into the matter.

  • On April 7, Page Six exclusively published the photos of Russini and Vrabel at the resort.
  • On April 14, Russini officially resigned from her position at The Athletic.

The players

Dianna Russini

A sports journalist who was the Senior NFL Insider at The Athletic since 2023, previously working at ESPN from 2015 to 2023.

Mike Vrabel

The head coach of the New England Patriots, who was seen with Russini in the photos.

Jon 'Stugotz' Weiner

Russini's former colleague at ESPN who currently hosts the 'Stugotz and Company' show on Fox Sports radio.

Kevin Goldschmidt

Russini's husband, who is a Shake Shack executive.

Jen Vrabel

Mike Vrabel's wife, whom he has been married to since 1999.

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What they’re saying

“She's going through a very difficult time. She's going to survive this.”

— Jon 'Stugotz' Weiner, Fox Sports Radio Host

“If The Athletic gets rid of her, she'll be sitting right next to me and Izzy [Gutierrez] doing the show. I support my friends, and don't bail on my friends. Especially at their worst professional time in their history. I don't do that to them.”

— Jon 'Stugotz' Weiner, Fox Sports Radio Host

“The entire industry is littered with conflicts of interest. Every single take that anyone makes is littered in conflict of interest. I don't want to hear about it.”

— Jon 'Stugotz' Weiner, Fox Sports Radio Host

“The photos don't represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day.”

— Dianna Russini

“The interaction was completely innocent.”

— Mike Vrabel

What’s next

The New York Times has launched an investigation into the matter, and the outcome of their inquiry will likely determine any further developments in this story.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the delicate balance sports journalists must maintain between their professional duties and personal relationships, as well as the potential consequences when those lines become blurred. It serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of upholding journalistic ethics and transparency, even in an industry known for its conflicts of interest.