Athletic editor says he mishandled communications in Russini scandal: report
NEWNow you can listen to Fox News articles!
The editor-in-chief of The Athletic has reportedly admitted he made a mistake in handling the Dianna Russini and Mike Vrabel scandal.
Steven Ginsberg held an all-hands meeting for a New York Times affiliate, where he spoke for 10 minutes about how he believes communication could have been better than the staff regarding Russini, according to Front Office Sports.
Ginsberg reportedly said the ongoing investigation by The Athletic’s editorial director of editorial standards and quality, Mike Semel, will be lengthy.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH ONE OF THE GAMES ON FOXNEWS.COM
Dianna Russini, left, and Mike Vrabel, right, are shown in a separate composite photo featuring Russini with an ESPN microphone and Vrabel on the Titans sidelines wearing a headset. (Photographs)
Ginsberg reportedly did not take any questions from the staff, although he was noted to be available to all if needed.
Russini resigned from The Athletic earlier this month amid mounting criticism of her relationship with Vrabel, the head coach of the New England Patriots, after they were photographed hugging and holding hands at a private resort in Sedona, Arizona.
Russini issued a statement on the matter after handing Ginsberg his resignation letter.
DIANNA RUSSINI QUIT THE ATHLETIC SPORTS AMID MIKE VRABEL’S CONFLICT
“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 thing first appeared, Athletic supported me without hesitation, expressed confidence in my work and pride in my journalism. For that I am grateful. In the following days, unfortunately, commentators in various media have joined in the speculation that it is self-feeding, “Russini” the statement read.
“Furthermore, this media frenzy is moving forward regardless of the review process that Athletic is trying to put an end to. It continues to escalate, fueled by repeated leaks, and I have no interest in sending a public investigation that has caused more damage than I am willing to accept. Rather than allow this to continue, I have decided to withdraw now – before my contract expires on June 30 because I do not have time to expire. It is built on this episode, but because I refuse to borrow more oxygen or let it define me or my work.”
Ginsberg also sent a memo to The Athletic staff, confirming Russini’s resignation.
“I am writing to let you know that Dianna Russini has submitted her letter of resignation to 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 since we learned of it,” Ginsberg’s memo, obtained by Fox News Digital, reads.
ESPN reporter Dianna Russini looks on during the NFL game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Sept. 16, 2018. (Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire)
“Our story at The Athletic is centered around our integrity and our commitment to our audience’s trust in us. Our newsroom is successful because of our core journalistic values, and we will always make sure they are protected.”
Ginsberg initially said that the images from Page Six were “misleading and without significant context.” Vrabel also addressed the photos, telling Page Six, “These photos show an innocent connection, and any suggestion is ridiculous. This deserves no other response.”
Russini also told the media that, “Like most NFL reporters, reporters communicate with sources far away from the stadium and other locations.”
Since then, photos have surfaced in 2020 showing Vrabel and Russini kissing in a bar in New York City. The photos obtained exclusively by the New York Post were taken on the morning of March 11, 2020.
“They were kissing, and full of each other,” an eyewitness told the newspaper. “He was wearing a ring.”
Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini, via Getty. (Getty)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS PROGRAM
While Russini is stepping down from his position at The Athletic, which he joined in 2023 after nearly a decade at 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, while talking to his players about the situation. The Patriots said before the draft that they “fully support” Vrabel, allowing him to get the counseling he wants even with rounds 4-7 remaining in the draft.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
