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The Athletic Ends Dianna Russini’s Relationship Over Standards

9/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Athletic concluded Dianna Russini’s relationship with Mike Vrabel violated the outlet’s standards.
Vrabel said the April 7 photos were “completely innocent” and deserved no further response.
Russini resigned from The Athletic on April 14 after the Page Six photos were published.
Editorial director Mike Semel said the breach required disclosure regardless of romance.
Barstool Sports is reported as the leading candidate to hire Russini for the 2026-27 NFL season.

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Story summary

The Athletic concluded Dianna Russini’s relationship with Mike Vrabel violated the outlet’s standards.
Vrabel said the April 7 photos were “completely innocent” and deserved no further response.
Russini resigned from The Athletic on April 14 after the Page Six photos were published.
Editorial director Mike Semel said the breach required disclosure regardless of romance.
Barstool Sports is reported as the leading candidate to hire Russini for the 2026-27 NFL season.