NFL reporter Russini hires crisis publicist after Vrabel scandal

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 04:24 · Archive

Dianna Russini, the former Athletic reporter who resigned over a relationship with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, has hired crisis publicist Melissa Nathan.

Dianna Russini, the former Athletic reporter, has enlisted crisis publicist Melissa Nathan to help revamp her career following her resignation in April. Russini is expected to return to work this NFL season, according to Page Six.

Russini left The Athletic after an internal investigation into her relationship with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. The outlet found that her undisclosed personal connection to the Super Bowl-winning coach violated its newsroom standards, though it determined her reporting had not been compromised. Images surfaced in April showing Russini and Vrabel holding hands at an adults-only resort in Arizona in late March. Both downplayed the pictures at the time, with Vrabel calling it a 'completely innocent interaction' and adding that 'any suggestion otherwise is laughable'.

Melissa Nathan has experience representing high-profile clients through controversies, including Logan Paul and Johnny Depp. She is currently in litigation with rival publicist Stephanie Jones over allegations of orchestrating online smear campaigns during the Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni 'It Ends With Us' dispute. Nathan has denied any wrongdoing. Russini is represented by the talent agency CAA.

How it is being reported

• Dianna Russini makes desperate move to salvage career as reporter recruits Justin Baldoni's crisis manager after Mike Vrabel affair scandalDianna Russini resigned from her position at The Athletic, in April, shortly after photos surfaced of her at an adults-only Arizona resort with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel.Daily Mail Sport · 9 Oct, 04:12
• NFL Insider Dianna Russini makes bold career move as she eyes comeback after Mike Vrabel scandalRussini is expected to return to work this NFL season, a source told Page Six.New York Post · 9 Oct, 02:07

In this story: Dianna Russini · Mike Vrabel · Melissa Nathan · The Athletic · New England Patriots

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