It sounds like Dianna Russini is nearing a return to sports media, for real this time.
After months of dubious reports and rumors, OutKick can confirm a report from ProFootballTalk that Russini has sent texts to people around the NFL saying she will announce a new job “next week.”
It is unclear exactly where she will work, although people around the industry say they have heard it will likely be with a gambling or prediction provider.
DIANNA RUSSINI COULD HAVE A HARD TIME RETURNING TO MEDIA FOLLOWING MIKE VRABEL SCANDAL
No, no, no. That does not mean she is joining Sydney Sweeney at Novig. There are other gambling providers.
Split showing Patriots coach Mike Vrabel and NFL reporter Dianna Russini. (Getty Images)
For a recap, Russini resigned from The Athletic in April, a week after the New York Post published photos of Russini and Patriots coach Mike Vrabel at a resort in Arizona. The initial report prompted other outlets to release additional photos of Russini and Vrabel together dating back seven years.
In perhaps the most damning development, TMZ reportedly obtained documents showing that the two rented a private boat in Putnam County, Tennessee, in June 2021, while Russini was seven months pregnant.
The Athletic conducted a review of Russini’s work and released the following statement in September:
“Russini’s relationship with Vrabel was in clear violation of The Athletic’s standards,” Mike Semel of The Athletic said. “Regardless of whether the relationship was romantic, it was a breach and should have been disclosed.”
Dianna Russini appears on the red carpet prior to the NFL Honors awards presentation at YouTube Theater in Los Angeles, Calif., on Feb. 10, 2022. (Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports)
Russini could struggle to overcome the negative perception surrounding her relationship with Vrabel, regardless of what type of relationship it was.
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She also worsened matters by initially saying she was on a “girls trip in Arizona” before meeting Vrabel, but failed to provide photos of the trip.
So either she lied about it or participated in the first girls’ trip of the social media era in which no photos were taken. We do not see an option C on the table.
Dianna Russini, left, and Mike Vrabel, right, are shown in a split composite image featuring Russini with an ESPN microphone and Vrabel on the Titans sideline wearing a headset. (Imagn Images)
In any event, there are more unethical, bad-faith actors in sports media than Russini. Specifically, Jemele Hill and Mark Jones still have jobs. Her career should not be over.
Russini may have to transition to a more personality-driven role, relying less on breaking transactional NFL stories.
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That said, she should absolutely do a tell-all podcast with “Call Her Daddy” following her announcement.
