NFL Reporter Crissy Froyd Fired After Criticizing Dianna Russini

Froyd's social media comments about Russini's resignation led to her own dismissal from USA Today.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:09pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the confrontation between two sports journalists, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form representing the fractured nature of their dispute.The public feud between sports journalists Crissy Froyd and Dianna Russini exposes the complex power dynamics and ethical challenges within the industry.Sedona Today

NFL journalist Crissy Froyd recently made headlines for her critical social media comments about fellow sports reporter Dianna Russini's resignation from The Athletic. Froyd alleged that Russini had been involved in inappropriate relationships with married NFL coaches. However, Froyd has now also been let go from her position at USA Today, with the outlet citing her public statements as the reason for her dismissal.

Why it matters

This story highlights the complex dynamics and tensions within the world of sports journalism, where reporters are often under intense scrutiny and pressure. Froyd's comments about Russini raise questions about the ethical standards and workplace culture in the industry, as well as the potential consequences for journalists who speak out against their peers.

The details

Froyd, who previously worked for SB Nation and USA Today, took to social media to criticize Russini's resignation from The Athletic. Russini had announced her resignation after being photographed with married NFL coach Mike Vrabel at a luxury resort in Arizona. In her posts, Froyd alleged that Russini had been involved in inappropriate relationships with married coaches for years, and that her actions were detrimental to women in sports journalism. However, Froyd has since been let go from her own position at USA Today, with the outlet citing her public comments as the reason for her dismissal.

  • On April 14, 2026, Froyd shared Russini's resignation letter on social media and made critical comments about her.
  • On April 16, 2026, Froyd acknowledged that she was no longer with USA Today and said she stood by her previous statements.

The players

Crissy Froyd

A sports journalist who previously worked for SB Nation and USA Today, and who recently made headlines for her critical comments about fellow reporter Dianna Russini.

Dianna Russini

A sports journalist and NFL Insider who previously worked for ESPN and recently resigned from her position at The Athletic after being photographed with a married NFL coach.

Mike Vrabel

A married NFL coach who was photographed with Dianna Russini at a luxury resort in Arizona.

Nancy Armour

A USA Today journalist who reportedly published a similar story without facing consequences.

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What they’re saying

“I'm sure you were told to submit this or that you'd get fired instead. Don't let the door hit you on the way out. We know who you really are and what you've been up to for years. It does so much detriment to women in sports who have done things the right way.”

— Crissy Froyd, Sports Journalist

“From fights with other reporters in Chili's parking lots about hooking up with married NFL coaches to everything else, it is almost certainly all true. It was the worst-kept secret in the NFL reporting world for a while.”

— Crissy Froyd, Sports Journalist

“I struggle to understand the positioning here after that was published, but that apparently I, as an independent contractor, cannot make my own statements on my own social media accounts.”

— Crissy Froyd, Former USA Today Journalist

What’s next

It remains to be seen how this situation will continue to unfold, with both Froyd and Russini's futures in sports journalism uncertain. The broader implications for ethical standards and workplace culture in the industry will likely be an ongoing discussion.

The takeaway

This story highlights the complex and often contentious dynamics within the world of sports journalism, where reporters can face significant professional consequences for speaking out against their peers. It raises important questions about the industry's commitment to upholding ethical standards and supporting women in the field.