NFL Reporter Fired For Dianna Russini Criticism Posts Defiant Statement
It's fair to say all the chaos surrounding NFL insider Dianna Russini hasn't died down one bit.
Page Six sent the NFL world into a frenzy last Tuesday by posting photos of Russini and New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel at a hotel in Arizona. Despite denying any wrongdoing, Russini decided to resign from her role with The Athletic.
"This media frenzy is hurtling forward without regard for the review process The Athletic is 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," Russini said in her resignation letter. "Rather than allowing this to continue, I have decided to step aside now - before my current contract expires on June 30. I do so not because I accept the narrative that has been constructed around this episode, but because I refuse to lend it further oxygen or to let it define me or my career."
After Russini shared her resignation letter with the rest of the world, USA TODAY Sports writer Crissy Froyd fired off this message: "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."
Froyd's remarks clearly didn't sit well with USA TODAY Sports. The outlet officially ended its contractor relationship with her this Thursday.
"USA TODAY Sports has ended its contractor relationship with Crissy Froyd effective immediately," the outlet's statement read. "Her recent statements do not reflect our commitment to professionalism or uphold our principles of ethical conduct."
She's not backing down.
Froyd addressed her fallout with USA TODAY Sports on social media. She made it known that she doesn't regret her remarks about Russini.
"I would like to acknowledge the statements put out about me recently and that I am also no longer with USA TODAY SMG. I regret zero of what I said and stand beside it," Froyd said. "If you want to talk, my messages are open. My email is operative, too. I feel I've been very transparent and did nothing wrong. I also find it so interesting that a Nancy Armour column was able to be published about Dianna Russini setting women back on USAT, but that my comments as a freelancer on my own social media about her were not fine. Be bold and speak out. Will it make a martyr out of you? Maybe. But some things are worth it and some are not. This was."
Froyd also posted this cryptic message: "Recently heard you can sue people for things??? I had no clue (just kidding, I used to work in law.) Catch ya on the flip side."
Judging by that post, it's safe to say this story might not have a conclusion just yet.
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This story was originally published April 17, 2026 at 5:00 AM.