Contractor Crissy Froyd lambasted Russini following the photo leak showing her holding hands with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel.

USA Today NFL reporter fired over social media comment on Dianna Russini’s resignation post

Contractor Crissy Froyd lambasted Russini following the photo leak showing her holding hands with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel.

By Ryan Coleman

Ryan Coleman

Ryan Coleman is a news writer for with previous work in MUBI Notebook, Slant, and the LA Review of Books.

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April 16, 2026 10:33 p.m. ET

Crissy Froyd; Dianna Russini. Credit:

Crissy Froyd/Instagram;Cindy Ord/Getty

- *USA Today* has fired NFL reporter Crissy Froyd over her comments on the resignation of Dianna Russini from the Athletic.

- Russini and New England Patriots Coach were seen holding hands and hugging at an adults-only resort in a *Page Six *story, which prompted Russini's resignation.

- "Don't let the door hit you on the way out," Froyd wrote on social media, saying that what she believes Russini has been "up to for years" comes at a "detriment to women in sports."

*USA Today* is parting ways with an NFL reporter following her commentary on a still-unfolding scandal involving former Athletic* *reporter Dianna Russini and New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel.

Crissy Froyd, who covered professional football on a contract basis for *USA Today*, was fired Thursday. "USA TODAY Sports has ended its contractor relationship with Crissy Froyd effective immediately," the outlet said on social media. "Her recent statements do not reflect our commitment to professionalism or uphold our principles of ethical conduct."

The move came two days after Froyd celebrated the resignation of Russini, an NFL reporter with the *New York Times*-owned site the Athletic, following the publication of photos depicting her hugging and holding hands with Vrabel.

"I'm sure you were told to submit this or that you'd get fired instead," Froyd wrote in response to Russini's circulation of her resignation letter. "Don't let the door hit you on the way out. We know who you really are and what you've been up to for years. It does so much detriment to women in sports who have done things the right way."

Russini post her resignation letter on social media Tuesday. Addressing Athletic executive editor Steven Ginsberg, Russini wrote, "I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published."

Formerly of ESPN, and nearing her third anniversary with the Athletic, Russini pointed to the *Page Six** *story from April 7 that kicked off the whole scandal. The exposé contained photos of Russini holding hands, hugging, and lounging at an adults-only resort with Vrabel. Both Russini and Vrabel are married to other people.

"When the *Page Six* item first appeared, The Athletic* *supported me unequivocally, expressed confidence in my work and pride in my journalism," Russini continued. "In the days that followed, unfortunately, commentators in various media have engaged in self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from the facts… and I have no interest in submitting to a public inquiry that has already caused far more damage than I am willing to accept."

NFL reporter Dianna Russini resigns following leaked vacation photos with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel

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An hour after *USA Today* shared the news of Froyd's termination, the reporter took to social media to defend her words.

"I regret zero of what I said and stand beside it," she wrote. "I feel I've been very transparent and did nothing wrong… Be bold and speak out. Will it make a martyr out of you? Maybe. But some things are worth it and some are not. This was."

** has reached out to Froyd, Russini, and a representative for Vrabel for comment.

Crissy Froyd at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta in 2025.

Crissy Froyd/Instagram

Russini and Vrabel both shared statements with *Page Six* when reached for comment for the April 7 exposé.

"The photos don't represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day. Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues," Russini told the outlet. Vrabel said, "These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable."

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