Dianna Russini is reportedly making a Hail Mary attempt to salvage her NFL reporting career after being engulfed in scandal earlier this year.
Russini resigned from her position at The Athletic, owned by The New York Times Company, in April, shortly after photos surfaced of her at an adults-only Arizona resort with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel.
Although both Russini and Vrabel, who are both married with children, denied having an affair, the photos sparked a wave of speculation regarding the nature of their relationship. A string of further photos later emerged of the pair, including pictures showing them kissing at a New York bar, reportedly in March 2020.
Now, Russini has recruited the help of seasoned crisis publicist Melissa Nathan as she targets a comeback following the controversy, according to Page Six.
While both Russini and Vrabel are said to have moved on from the scandal, the mainstream media has yet to let the issue go, leading the NFL insider to seek outside help, a source told the outlet.
The Daily Mail has contacted Nathan for confirmation but did not receive an immediate response.
Dianna Russini has reportedly hired seasoned crisis publicist Melissa Nathan
Russini became engulfed in scandal alleging she had an affair with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel
Nathan is an experienced publicist in Hollywood, having come to the aid of celebrities such as Logan Paul, Johnny Depp and Justin Baldoni.
She has been in the headlines herself over the past year following the explosive saga engulfing the ‘It Ends With Us’ movie.
Nathan is currently in litigation with rival publicist Stephanie Jones over allegations that she orchestrated online smear campaigns during Baldoni and Blake Lively’s film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel of the same title. Nathan has denied any wrongdoing.
Russini has been rumored to be eyeing a career comeback and a return to the spotlight for a few months now.
According to Page Six, Russini is now considering offers to return to the NFL beat and is preparing to share her side of the story.
The report claimed last month that the 43-year-old, who was paid around $800,000 a year by The Athletic, has turned down a host of interview offers and intends to speak out ‘on her own terms’.
Russini shared her resignation letter to The Athletic’s executive editor, Steven Ginsberg on social media on April 14.
‘I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published,’ she wrote.
Russini stepped down from her role at The Athletic while Vrabel has remained Patriots coach
The former Athletic NFL insider is said to be targeting a career comeback after the scandal
‘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. Moreover, 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 — 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.’
Although both Vrabel and Russini initially denied cheating on their respective spouses, the Patriots coach has since apologized for his ‘actions,’ while stopping short of specifically admitting to an affair.
He issued an apology just before the NFL Draft, missing the final day of the event to attend counseling.
Vrabel, who led the Patriots to the Super Bowl in February, was last month forced to address rumors of a rift between him and his quarterback.
‘He heard from who?’ Vrabel asked on The Greg Hill Show. ‘Unnamed sources? Let me just tell you why I’m here. I’m here because Drake was the quarterback.
Russini covered the Tennessee Titans for ESPN when Vrabel was head coach of the team
The head coach is pictured with his wife Jen (second left), whom he married in 1999
‘Believe it or not, I had choices as to where I wanted to coach. I wanted to coach here because Drake was the quarterback. So, I don’t have really much other to add to that about a comment from an unnamed source. But I’ll just tell you what I’ve told numerous people if they want to ask me why I’m here.’
Maye has also rubbished the claims, hailing Vrabel and insisting nothing has changed regarding their relationship.
‘Coach Vrabel’s been one of the best football coaches I’ve had in my life,’ Maye said, via a transcript from the team. ‘I think Coach Vrabel’s been one of the biggest things as to why this has been so enjoyable for me is playing for Coach.
‘I think we all feel that way in the locker room. He pushes us hard. I’ve loved playing for him, and it’s not going to change. It hasn’t changed, and it won’t change. The way he pushes me, and he coaches the quarterbacks in a way that I really respect, and I’m looking forward to getting going, proving to Coach that I can lead this football team and play good football.’
