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NFL reporter Dianna Russini has resigned from The Athletic less than a week after published photos of her and New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel<\/a><\/span> at an Arizona resort prompted an internal investigation at The New York Times-owned sports outlet. <\/p>\n The New York Post last week published<\/a><\/span> the photos of Vrabel and Russini at the Sedona hotel and said they were taken before the NFL owners meetings that began in Phoenix on March 29.<\/p>\n \u201cI 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,\u201d Russini said in a letter sent Tuesday to Athletic Executive Editor Steven Ginsberg and obtained by The Associated Press. <\/p>\n \u201cMoreover, 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 \u2014 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Russini joined The Athletic in 2023 after nearly a decade at ESPN, where she held various roles, including SportsCenter anchor, NFL analyst and insider. She hosted a podcast for The Athletic and made appearances on their video platform.<\/p>\n Vrabel and Russini, who are both married, released statements to the Post after publication of the photos downplaying what the photos depict.<\/p>\n Russini said they \u201cdon\u2019t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day.\u201d<\/p>\n Vrabel told the newspaper: \u201cThose photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable.\u201d<\/p>\n Vrabel didn\u2019t attend<\/a><\/span> New England\u2019s pre-draft news conference on Monday. <\/p>\n The New York Times reported Saturday that the digital outlet was investigating Russini\u2019s conduct.<\/p>\n That decision came after Ginsberg previously told the Post that the photos \u201clacked essential context\u201d and lauded her work with The Athletic.<\/p>\n Vrabel, who won three Super Bowls as a player with New England, is preparing for his second season as coach of the Patriots. He was the AP NFL Coach of the Year after leading the team to a 14-3 finish last season, which ended with a Super Bowl loss to Seattle. Vrabel previously won the AP NFL Coach of the Year award with Tennessee in 2021.<\/p>\n ___<\/p>\n AP NFL: https:\/\/apnews.com\/NFL<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n