USA Today has parted ways with NFL reporter Crissy Froyd following her harsh remarks directed at fellow journalist Dianna Russini, who recently resigned from The Athletic amid controversy.
This Tuesday, Russini made headlines by announcing her departure from the New York Times-owned platform. Her exit comes on the heels of explosive allegations suggesting an affair with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, claims that both parties have firmly denied.
The speculation intensified last week when images surfaced showing Russini, 43, and Vrabel, 50, seemingly enjoying each other’s company. The photos, taken at a luxurious $2,500-per-night retreat in Sedona, Arizona, captured the pair embracing, lounging by the pool, and sharing laughter.
In the wake of Russini’s resignation, Froyd, who was covering both the NFL and college football for USA Today SMG, made a pointed remark. She suggested that Russini’s resignation was coerced, stating, “I’m sure you were told to submit this or that you’d get fired instead.”
Continuing her criticism, Froyd added, “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.”
Yet in light of her damning public criticism of Russini, USA Today confirmed in a statement on Thursday that Froyd’s contract has been terminated ‘effective immediately’.
USA Today reporter Crissy Froyd has been fired for celebrating Dianna Russini’s Athletic exit
Russini left The Athletic this week amid allegations of an affair with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel
‘Her recent statements do not reflect our commitment to professionalism or uphold our principles of ethical conduct,’ the statement added.
Froyd has reacted to her shock dismissal in an interview with TMZ, admitting it has left her ‘beyond distraught’.
‘I struggle to understand the positioning here after that was published, but that apparently I as an independent contractor cannot make my own statements on my own social media accounts.’
Froyd has stressed that she does not have a ‘vendetta’ against Russini, nor was she ‘actively waiting for the perfect moment’ to call her out. Instead, the fired reporter felt she ‘could finally say something without being the only one.’
However, she has been axed by USA Today after a decade with the publication.
‘I am looking forward to what is next and I do walk away with my head held high,’ Froyd added. ‘Have I become a martyr? We will see. But I hold zero regret and am beyond proud of my accomplishments.’
As well as her explosive online post, Froyd doubled down on her sentiments about Russini in a statement provided to the Daily Caller, in which she made a series of allegations.
She said: ‘From fights with other reporters in Chili’s parking lots about hooking up with married NFL coaches to everything else, it is almost certainly all true. It was the worst kept secret in the NFL reporting world for a while.
Russini was pictured hugging Vrabel and lounging poolside with the coach at an Arizona hotel
Froyd, who covered the NFL and college football for USA Today SMG, brutally told her fellow female reporter: ‘Don’t let the door hit you on the way out’
‘Someone once propositioned me to have Dianna potentially be my mentor. I declined because I knew what she was about and her track record.’
The Daily Mail has reached out to Russini for comment on Froyd’s allegations.
Russini has not responded to public comments, and said this week that ‘everything’ she has to say about the matter is referenced in her resignation letter.
Froyd, who graduated from LSU in 2021, has been accused of hypocrisy in recent days because she had a relationship with former college quarterback J.T. Daniels.
On that subject, she explained: ‘Alright, so, you probably have seen a lot of people coming after me. I’ll be transparent and I would love to use this as the greatest example.
‘I had a strong relationship with former QB JT Daniels that, as anyone would imagine under those circumstances, did include multiple sexual encounters and there was a lot involved.
‘However, JT and I didn’t begin that relationship until after he was out of football. I can honestly say I have never slept with a player or coach for professional gain. Dianna cannot say the same. That’s where the difference is.’
Russini insists she and Vrabel were at the resort in Arizona with larger groups of people
Both Russini and Vrabel issued statements confirming the March 28 interaction but have denied any improper conduct, with Vrabel specifically calling the story ‘laughable.’
Russini told Page Six she and Vrabel were at the resort with larger groups of people.
But on Tuesday, Russini resigned from The Athletic, while standing behind all of her work from her 15-year career at the publication, ESPN, and other outlets.
A defiant Russini insisted that her resignation does not mean she crossed the line with Vrabel.
‘I do so [resign] 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,’ she said.
‘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.’
