The Athletic editor says he mishandled communication in Russini scandal: report
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The editor-in-chief of The Athletic reportedly admitted he made a mistake in covering the Dianna Russini-Mike Vrabel scandal.
Steven Ginsberg held a meeting for the New York Times-owned company, where he talked for 10 minutes about how he thought communication could have been better than it was with staff regarding Russini, according to Front Office Sports.
Ginsberg also reportedly said that The Athletic’s editorial director’s ongoing investigation into editorial standards and quality, Mike Semel, would be lengthy.
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Dianna Russini and Mike Vrabel (Imagn Images)
Ginsberg would not answer any questions from staff, but noted that he was available to anyone if needed.
Russini resigned from The Athletic earlier this month amid growing criticism of her relationship with Vrabel, the New England Patriots head coach, after they were photographed hugging and holding hands at a private resort in Sedona, Arizona.
Russini released a statement on the matter after submitting his resignation letter to Ginsberg.
DIANNA RUSSINI REIGNS FROM ATHLETICS AMID MIKE VRABEL CONTROVERSY
“I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every article I have published. When the Page Six article first appeared, The Athletic unequivocally supported me, expressed confidence in my work and pride in my journalism. I am grateful,” Russini’s statement read.
“In the days that followed, unfortunately, commentators in various media outlets have engaged in self-perpetuating speculation that is simply disconnected from the facts.
“Moreover, this media frenzy is unleashed without regard to the review process The Athletic is attempting 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 allow this to continue, I have decided to step down 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 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 tendered 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 management at The Athletic took this matter seriously from the moment we became aware of it,” reads Ginsberg’s memo, obtained by Fox News Digital.
ESPN reporter Dianna Russini during a game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on September 16, 2018. (Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire)
“Our news coverage at The Athletic is deeply rooted in our integrity and our commitment to earning the trust of our audiences. Our newsroom has thrived on our core journalistic values, and we will always ensure they are protected.”
Ginsberg initially said the photos on page six were “misleading and lacked essential context.” Vrabel also addressed the photos, telling Page Six: “These photos show a completely innocent interaction, and any suggestion to the contrary is laughable. It deserves no further response.”
Russini also told the outlet, “Like most NFL journalists, reporters interact with sources far from stadiums and other locations.”
Since then, photos from 2020 have surfaced showing Vrabel and Russini kissing at a New York bar. The photos obtained exclusively by the New York Post were taken in the early hours of March 11, 2020.
“They were kissing and they were on top of each other,” an eyewitness told the outlet. “He wore a ring.”
Dianna Russini and Mike Vrabel (Getty)
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While Russini resigned from her position at The Athletic, which she joined in 2023 after nearly a decade working for ESPN, Vrabel is back with the Patriots after an advisory visit during Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft on Sunday.
Vrabel said he had difficult conversations with his family, while also talking about the situation with his players. The Patriots said before the draft that they “fully supported” Vrabel, allowing him to seek whatever advice he wanted despite four rounds remaining in the draft.
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