Former ESPN Star Shares How Dianna Russini Is Handling Her Resignation

Although the NFL Draft is less than a week away, Dianna Russini is still at the center of the biggest story in the league.

Russini resigned from her role with The Athletic this past Tuesday. She made this decision due to the "media frenzy" regarding Page Six's photos of her and New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel at a luxurious hotel in Sedona, Arizona.

"I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published. When the Page Six item first appeared, The Athletic supported me unequivocally, expressed confidence in my work and pride in my journalism. For that I am grateful. In the days that followed, unfortunately, commentators in various media have engaged in self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from the facts," Russini said in a statement.

"Moreover, 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. 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."

Former ESPN Radio personality Jon Weiner, better known as Stugotz, offered Russini a gig before she even resigned from The Athletic.

"I'll tell you this on the front end of any Dianna Russini discussion I'm going to have. If The Athletic gets rid of her, she'll be sitting right next to me and Izzy doing the show," Stugotz said. "I support my friends, I don't bail on my friends, especially at their worst professional time in their history. I don't do that to them, ok?"

While it's unclear what's next for Russini's career, Stugotz provided an update on her during the latest episode of his Fox Sports show.

"She's going through a very difficult time," Stugotz said. "She's going to survive this."

What about Mike Vrabel?

As of this Friday, the Patriots have not said anything about Vrabel's situation. All we know is that he's been "very involved" in the team's pre-draft meetings.

According to Michael Holley of NBC Sports Boston, players on the Patriots will eventually "demand answers" from Vrabel.

"I talked to a former player and he said, ‘The hell they won't want answers. You think Mike Vrabel can just brush this under the rug without talking to the players? Coaching don't treat us like they treat the media.' I think Vrabel will have to say something to his team," the anonymous player told Holley. "I think he's gonna have to answer to something that's been in the news for a while. For his credibility he's gonna have to say something to the team."

In the meantime, Vrabel is getting ready for the NFL Draft.

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This story was originally published April 17, 2026 at 9:03 AM.