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The managing editor of The Athletic reportedly admitted he made a mistake in 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 thought communication could have been better than it was with the staff regarding Russini, according to Front Office Sports.
Ginsberg also reportedly said the ongoing investigation into The Athletic’s editorial director of standards and editorial quality, Mike Semel, would be lengthy.
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Dianna Russini, left, and Mike Vrabel, right, are shown in a split composite photo with Russini holding an ESPN microphone and Vrabel on the Titans sideline wearing a headset. (Images)
Ginsberg reportedly did not take any questions from the staff, but noted that he was available to anyone if needed.
Russini resigned from The Athletic earlier this month amid mounting criticism of her relationship with Vrabel, the New England Patriots head coach, after being photographed hugging and holding hands at a private resort in Sedona, Arizona.
Russini released a statement on the matter after giving his resignation letter to Ginsberg.
DIANNA RUSSINI RESIGNS FROM ATHLETIC AMID MIKE VRABEL CONTROVERSY
“I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand by every single story I have ever published. When the Page Six issue first appeared, The Athletic supported me unequivocally, expressed confidence in my work and pride in my journalism. I am grateful for that. In the days that followed, unfortunately, only commentators in various media outlets engaged in various media facts,” Russini’s statement read.
“Furthermore, this media frenzy is rushing 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 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 with my current contract now because I am not expiring the current contract now because I am not expiring in June. accept the narrative that has been constructed around this episode, but because I refuse to lend it further 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 let you know 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 leadership of The Athletic has taken this matter seriously from the moment we became aware of it,” Ginsberg’s memo, obtained by Pakinomist Digital, reads.
ESPN reporter Dianna Russini looks on during the NFL game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Sept. 16, 2018. (Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire)
“Our coverage at The Athletic is deeply rooted in our integrity and our commitment to earning the trust of our audiences. Our newsroom has thrived because of our core journalistic values, and we will always ensure they are protected.”
Ginsberg initially stated that the images from Page Six were “misleading and lack significant context.” Vrabel also addressed the photos, telling Page Six, “These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is ludicrous. This does not merit any further response.”
Russini also told the magazine, “Like most reporters in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues.”
Since then, photos have surfaced from 2020 showing Vrabel and Russini kissing at a bar in New York City. 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 all over each other,” an eyewitness told the paper. “He was wearing a ring.”
Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini, via Getty. (Getty)
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While Russini stepped down 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 on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft this past Sunday.
Vrabel said he had difficult conversations with his family while also talking to his players about the situation. The Patriots said before the draft that they “fully support” Vrabel, allowing him to seek the counseling he wanted despite rounds 4-7 of the draft still remaining.
