Female NFL Reporter Celebrates Dianna Russini's Downfall, 'We Know Who You Are'

A female NFL reporter is celebrating Dianna Russini's downfall.

Russini, who covered the NFL for The Athletic, announced on Tuesday that she was stepping down from her job. Russini had been photographed at an Arizona resort with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel. Russini denied any wrongdoing, though admitted that the weight of the scandal simply became too much.

"Rather than allowing this to continue, I have decided to step aside now - 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," she wrote.

"Over a career spanning more than fifteen years in sports journalism - at NBC, ESPN, and The Athletic - I have built a body of work I am proud of. I have broken stories, earned the trust of sources across the league, and been guided by the highest standards of professional conduct. That record speaks for itself.

"I remain grateful to The Athletic and for the extraordinary colleagues with whom I have worked there, for the platform it provided, and for the support you showed me during this difficult time. I wish you nothing but continued success."

Some in sports media, like Dan Le Batard, Jemele Hill and Michelle Beadle, have shown support for Russini. However, that's not everyone in sports media.

NFL reporter Crissy Froyd, who covers the league for USA TODAY SMG, called out Russini on social media.

She's celebrating her departure.

"I'm sure you were told to submit this or that you'd get fired instead. 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," she wrote in response to her resignation letter.

The female NFL reporter is standing by her opinion

While Froyd has received some blowback from some on social media, she's standing by her stance.

"It does no benefit to her to admit anything close to the truth. Why would she? She gains nothing. Part of me almost feels bad for her - she's in her 40s and I think wanted to be good and ethical from the start. But she's not been for years on end. You make your own bed…" Froyd shared.

Froyd isn't backing down.

"I will be so real here. Relationships with players and coaches and reporters isn't really troubling to me. Giving something up for info is as an exchange is wrong. Build your career on your own integrity. I don't support her at all," she added.

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This story was originally published April 15, 2026 at 3:00 PM.