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NFL Writer Crissy Froyd Drops 1-Word Reaction to Bombshell Article Detailing Dianna Russini-Mike Vrabel Scandal
Former USA TODAY Sports reporter Crissy Froyd has found herself back in the spotlight as fresh details continue to emerge from the controversy involving Dianna Russini and New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel.
Froyd lost her position at USA TODAY Sports in April after publicly discussing the situation, and the latest developments have once again prompted her to comment.
Crissy Froyd Reacts to New Details Emerging on Dianna Russini and Mike Vrabel Scandal
The New York Times published an article by Katherine Rosman and Ken Belson that includes new details and adds another layer to the story. After the report surfaced, Froyd delivered a one-word reaction on social media.
“Wow…” Froyd wrote on X.
The New York Times article stated that Russini received an outline of the investigation before publication and chose not to provide a comment. The report also outlined earlier communication between Russini and the newspaper.
According to the Times, she initially responded by text when reporters began working on the story in May. However, she later requested that those messages remain unpublished. When that request was not accepted, Russini reportedly contacted senior employees at both The New York Times and The Athletic through email.
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Further details centered on Russini’s role in a previous feature involving Vrabel.
“As part of its review, The Athletic is looking into “Dianna’s involvement” in a January 2025 article, “Inside Mike Vrabel’s Year Off,” Ms. Ha said. The roughly 4,400-word article was written by another reporter, Zack Rosenblatt, after Ms. Russini helped broker the coach’s cooperation, arranging breakfast for the three of them so Mr. Rosenblatt could make his pitch.” the article revealed. “Members of Mr. Vrabel’s coaching staff were with them at the casino, but were not visible in the photo.”
That portion of the report has drawn significant attention across NFL media circles. The Times also reported that Russini had an opportunity to address the Sedona photos but did not immediately raise the issue with executives at The Athletic.
Instead, leadership reportedly received notice only a few hours before the New York Post’s publication deadline.
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The report also noted that a public statement supporting Russini from Ginsberg received approval from executive editor Steven Ginsberg, David Perpich, publisher of The Athletic, and David Rubin, the Times Company’s chief brand and communications officer.
The article concluded with another notable revelation. According to the report, Ginsberg did not see all of the Sedona photos before publicly backing Russini, raising questions about what information was available at the time.
“Ms. Russini did not alert editors to any conflicts of interest, according to the Times Company spokeswoman,” the article shared. “Ms. Russini’s friend said that she resigned because she saw an opportunity to reimagine her career and spend more time with her children.”
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Because of that, Froyd believes Dianna Russini now faces a major credibility problem. Speaking during a recent appearance on “Mike Drop With Mike Asti,” Froyd suggested Russini would need far more than a public response to change opinions.
“I think there are a lot of reasons she’s not saying anything right now. But part of me questions… I think she’d have to supply a lot of evidence,” Froyd said.
Her comments came as fresh scrutiny surrounded Russini’s handling of the controversy. Froyd also argued that previous statements connected to the situation have made any future defense more difficult.
“I think after the indignant statement that she made, which has now been proven false entirely, and even what Vrabel said, I think a decent number of people will believe her but I think some people will go, ‘You have no credibility, and you’re a liar. You’re gonna kick and scream and say this about this person, but we’re not gonna believe you.’ I think she will have to show some legitimate evidence or have people corroborate her,” Froyd added.
Meanwhile, the controversy does not appear to have affected Mike Vrabel’s standing in Foxborough. The Patriots have continued to support their head coach, and Patriots Nation has largely done the same.
However, questions continue to surround Russini’s future. While she has not officially announced an exit from NFL media, several developments point in that direction.
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