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The executive editor of The Athletic has reportedly admitted he made a mistake in addressing the Dianna Russini-Mike Vrabel scandal.
Steven Ginsberg held an all-hands meeting for the New York Times-owned company, where he spoke for 10 minutes about how he believed communication could have been better than with staff regarding Russini, according to Front Office Sports.
Ginsberg also reportedly said that the ongoing investigation by The Athletic’s editorial director into editorial standards and quality, Mike Semel, would be lengthy.
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Dianna Russini, left, and Mike Vrabel, right, are shown in a split composite image showing Russini with an ESPN microphone and Vrabel on the Titans bench wearing a headset. (Image images)
Ginsberg reportedly did not take any questions from staff, although he noted that he was available to everyone if needed.
Russini resigned from The Athletic earlier this month amid growing criticism over her relationship with Vrabel, the head coach of the New England Patriots, after being photographed hugging and holding hands at a private resort in Sedona, Arizona.
Russini issued a statement on the matter after delivering his resignation letter to Ginsberg.
DIANNA RUSSINI RESIGNS FROM ATHLETIC AMID THE MIKE VRABEL CONTROVERSY
“I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand by every story I have published. When the Page Six article first appeared, The Athletic stood by me unequivocally, expressing confidence in my work and pride in my journalism. For that I am grateful. In the days since, unfortunately, commentators at various outlets have engaged in self-fueled speculation that is simply not tied to the facts,” Russini’s statement read.
“Furthermore, this media frenzy is proceeding without regard to the review process that The Athletic is trying to complete. It continues to escalate, fueled by repeated leaks, and I have no interest in subjecting myself to a public investigation that has already caused far more damage than I am willing to accept. Rather than allow this to continue, I have decided to step aside now, before my current contract expires on June 30. I am doing so not because I accept the narrative that has been constructed around this episode, but because I “I refuse to give it any more oxygen or let it define me or my career.”
Ginsberg also sent a memo to The Athletic staff confirming Russini’s resignation.
“I am writing to inform you that Dianna Russini has submitted her resignation from The Athletic, effective immediately. While I cannot share the details of our investigation into Dianna’s conduct, I want to emphasize that The Athletic’s leadership has taken this matter seriously from the moment we became aware of it,” said Ginsberg’s memo, obtained by Pak Gazette Digital.
ESPN reporter Dianna Russini watches during the NFL game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on September 16, 2018. (Mark Alberti/Sportswire Icon)
“Our coverage at The Athletic is deeply rooted in our integrity and our commitment to earning the trust of our audience. Our newsroom has thrived on our core journalistic values and we will always ensure they are protected.”
Ginsberg originally stated that the Page Six photographs were “misleading and lacking essential context.” Vrabel also addressed the photos, telling Page Six: “These photos show a completely innocent interaction, and any suggestion otherwise is ridiculous. This deserves no further response.”
Russini also told the outlet: “Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources outside of stadiums and other locations.”
Since then, photos from 2020 have emerged showing Vrabel and Russini kissing at a New York City bar. The photographs obtained exclusively by the New York Post were taken in the early morning hours of March 11, 2020.
“They were kissing and were on top of each other,” a witness told the outlet. “I had a ring on.”
Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini, via Getty. (Getty)
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While Russini resigned from his position at The Athletic, which he joined in 2023 after nearly a decade working for ESPN, Vrabel is back with the Patriots following an advisory visit on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft last Sunday.
Vrabel said he had difficult conversations with his family and also talked to his players about the situation. The Patriots said before the draft that they “fully supported” Vrabel, allowing him to seek the advice he wanted even though rounds 4-7 of the draft remained.
