Dianna Russini plans sports media return following Mike Vrabel scandal

Former Athletic journalist Dianna Russini is planning a return to NFL media coverage this season. According to sources, Russini intends to address the scandal involving her relationship with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel only after securing her next professional position.

Russini has reportedly declined various interview offers from major networks, podcasts, and reality television programs, opting instead to share her perspective on her own timeline. While a return by the start of Week 1 is considered unlikely, she is currently evaluating multiple offers and may hold more than one role.

The controversy arose following the publication of photos showing Russini and Vrabel together at a resort in Sedona, Arizona, in late March. An internal investigation by The Athletic concluded that Russini’s relationship with Vrabel was “in clear violation” of company standards, regardless of whether the relationship was romantic. While the investigation found no evidence that Russini used her platform to benefit Vrabel, it noted that some of her reporting on him was “awkward or even uncomfortable” in hindsight. Russini has stated that she stands by all of her professional reporting.