Dianna Russini is reportedly set to return to sports media next week, launching a digital show where she will interview players and coaches, according to a report by Mike Florio of NBC Sports and reporting by Page Six.
The upcoming return follows a turbulent period for the veteran journalist. Russini resigned from her position as senior NFL insider at The Athletic in April, just a week after the New York Post published photos of her and New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel at a resort in Sedona, Arizona.
The Fallout at The Athletic
The controversy began when photos surfaced showing Russini and Vrabel at the Ambiente boutique resort. Additional photos emerged in April showing the pair at an upscale New York City bar in March 2020, six months before Russini married her husband, Kevin Goldschmidt.
During her resignation announcement in April, Russini maintained that she did not engage in improper behavior with Vrabel. She wrote in her letter that she stepped aside before her contract expired on June 30 to avoid lending oxygen to the narrative surrounding the episode.
The Athletic subsequently launched an internal investigation led by Mike Semel, which concluded in September. Semel concluded that Russini’s relationship with Vrabel violated the outlet’s standards, noting it was a breach that should have been disclosed regardless of whether it was romantic.
Building a New Digital Venture
According to an industry source cited by Page Six, Russini will headline her own show on a digital platform starting next week. The project has reportedly been in development for some time, and the format is designed to feature direct interviews with NFL players and coaches.
Ahead of her return, Russini enlisted crisis management expert Melissa Nathan last month. While public statements from Russini have been minimal since April, figures within the sports media community have voiced support. Jon “Stugotz” Wiener publicly offered her a seat on his Fox Sports radio show, stating on his program that he stands by his friends during professional difficulties.
| Career Milestone | Organization | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Television Reporter | ESPN | 2015–2023 |
| Senior NFL Insider | The Athletic | 2023–2026 |
| Digital Show Host | Unnamed Digital Platform | Launching Next Week |
Meanwhile, Mike Vrabel addressed the situation during a pre-draft press conference at Gillette Stadium in April, acknowledging that he had difficult conversations with his family and affirming his commitment to the Patriots organization.
I support my friends. I don’t bail on my friends. pic.twitter.com/biE6oHFv08
According to Page Six, Russini will be headlining her own show on a digital platform, though it remains unconfirmed which specific outlet will host the program.
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