Dianna Russini is reportedly taking steps to revive her NFL journalism career after becoming the subject of a high-profile controversy earlier this year.
The veteran reporter left her role at The Athletic, the sports publication owned by The New York Times Company, in April. Her departure came soon after photos emerged showing her at an adults-only resort in Arizona with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel.
Russini and Vrabel, who are both married and have children, rejected claims that they had an affair. Even so, the images prompted intense speculation about their relationship. Additional photographs later surfaced, including pictures that reportedly showed the pair kissing at a New York City bar in March 2020.
Now, Russini has recruited the help of seasoned crisis publicist Melissa Nathan as she targets a comeback following the controversy, according to Page Six.
Although Russini and Vrabel are understood to have moved past the controversy, the story continues to attract attention in the media. That ongoing scrutiny has reportedly led the NFL insider to seek professional crisis-management assistance, according to a source cited by the outlet.
The Daily Mail contacted Nathan for comment, but no immediate response was received.
Dianna Russini has reportedly brought in veteran crisis publicist Melissa Nathan
Russini faced intense scrutiny over allegations involving Patriots coach Mike Vrabel
Melissa Nathan is a well-known Hollywood publicist who has represented or advised figures including Logan Paul, Johnny Depp and Justin Baldoni.
She has also drawn considerable attention herself during the past year amid the public dispute surrounding the film adaptation of It Ends With Us.
Nathan is currently involved in legal proceedings with fellow publicist Stephanie Jones. Jones has accused her of coordinating online smear efforts connected to Baldoni and Blake Lively’s adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, allegations Nathan has denied.
For several months, Russini has been linked to speculation that she is planning a return to the public eye and a possible comeback in sports media.
Page Six reported that Russini is weighing opportunities to return to covering the NFL and is preparing to give her account of the events surrounding the controversy.
The outlet reported last month that the 43-year-old journalist, who earned approximately $800,000 annually at The Athletic, has declined multiple interview requests. Instead, she is said to be planning to address the matter “on her own terms.”
On April 14, Russini posted the resignation letter she sent to The Athletic executive editor Steven Ginsberg on social media.
“I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published,” she wrote.
Russini left The Athletic while Vrabel continued in his position as Patriots head coach
The former Athletic NFL reporter is reportedly pursuing a professional comeback following the controversy
“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. 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.’
Although both Vrabel and Russini initially denied cheating on their respective spouses, the Patriots coach has since apologized for his ‘actions,’ while stopping short of specifically admitting to an affair.
He issued an apology just before the NFL Draft, missing the final day of the event to attend counseling.
Vrabel, who led the Patriots to the Super Bowl in February, was last month forced to address rumors of a rift between him and his quarterback.
‘He heard from who?’ Vrabel asked on The Greg Hill Show. ‘Unnamed sources? Let me just tell you why I’m here. I’m here because Drake was the quarterback.
Russini covered the Tennessee Titans for ESPN when Vrabel was head coach of the team
The head coach is pictured with his wife Jen (second left), whom he married in 1999
‘Believe it or not, I had choices as to where I wanted to coach. I wanted to coach here because Drake was the quarterback. So, I don’t have really much other to add to that about a comment from an unnamed source. But I’ll just tell you what I’ve told numerous people if they want to ask me why I’m here.’
Maye has also rubbished the claims, hailing Vrabel and insisting nothing has changed regarding their relationship.
‘Coach Vrabel’s been one of the best football coaches I’ve had in my life,’ Maye said, via a transcript from the team. ‘I think Coach Vrabel’s been one of the biggest things as to why this has been so enjoyable for me is playing for Coach.
‘I think we all feel that way in the locker room. He pushes us hard. I’ve loved playing for him, and it’s not going to change. It hasn’t changed, and it won’t change. The way he pushes me, and he coaches the quarterbacks in a way that I really respect, and I’m looking forward to getting going, proving to Coach that I can lead this football team and play good football.’