US sports presenter Dianna Russini resigns over photos with football coach Mike Vrabel

A sport reporter has been forced to quit her job a week after a US media outlet published photos of her in a hotel with a N.F.L coach.

Dianna Russini, who covers football The New York Times connected The athletic, reportedly resigned a week later Page six published photos that appeared to show her in a romantic getaway with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel.

Both Russini and her employer have denied that she and Vrabel were even alone at the hotel, with the coach saying the photos depict “completely innocent interaction.”

Anyway, Russini took to X this morning (AEST) to announce her resignation in a message that said: “All I have to say about it is below”.

She attached a copy of the resignation letter, dated April 14 and effective immediately.

“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 built my career on,” she wrote.

“I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published.

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“When the Page six article first appeared, The Athletics supported me unequivocally, expressed confidence in my work and pride in my journalism. I’m grateful for that.”

However, Russini said in the days that followed: “Commentators in various media have engaged in self-feeding speculations that are simply disconnected from the facts”.

“Furthermore, this media frenzy rages on without regard to the review process The Athletics 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,” she said.

“Rather than allow this to continue, I have decided to step aside now.

“I do this not because I accept the story that has been built around this episode, but because I refuse to give it any more oxygen or let it define me or my career.”

The New York-based Russini said she remained proud of the career she built over 15 years, including stints at ESPN and NBC.

Both Russini, 43, and Kravel, 50, are married. Russini has been married to Shake Shack director Kevin Goldschmidt since 2020. They are parents to two young sons, Michael and Joey.

Meanwhile, Kravel, who took over as head coach of the Patriots in 2025, has been married to his wife Jen since 1999. They also share two adult sons, Tyler and Carter.

Page six first published photos of the two together on April 7, writing that they were spotted together about two weeks earlier at a boutique resort in the tourist hotspot of Sedona, Arizona.

The resort is an adults-only retreat and is known for organizing romantic getaways.

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Page six published photos of the couple holding hands, hugging and lounging in the pool.

However, both parties and Russini’s employer denied anything improper had taken place and claimed they were part of a group staying at the hotel.

Kravel said Page six“These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This deserves no further response.”

Russini told the same channel: “The photos do not represent the group of six people who hung out during the day.

“Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources outside of stadiums and other locations.”

The Athletics editor-in-chief Steven Ginsberg also jumped to her defense.

“These photos are misleading and lack essential context,” he said.

“These were public interactions with many people in attendance. Dianna is a leading journalist covering the NFL and we are proud to have her with us The Athletics.”

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