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Associated Press: Dianna Russini Resigns from The Athletic (UPDATED)
Published:
Rob Maaddi at The Associated Press:
Blockbuster!
“I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published. When the Page Six item first appeared, The Athletic supported me unequivocally, expressed confidence in my work and pride in my journalism. For that I am grateful. In the days that followed, unfortunately, commentators in various media have engaged in self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from the facts… Moreover, this media frenzy is hurtling forward without regard for the review process The Athletic is trying to complete. It continues to escalate, fueled by repeated leaks, and I have no interest in submitting to a public inquiry that has already caused far more damage than I am willing to accept. Rather than allowing this to continue, I have decided to step aside now — before my current contract expires on June 30. I do so not because I accept the narrative that has been constructed around this episode, but because I refuse to lend it further oxygen or to let it define me or my career.”
She’s not admitting any wrongdoing. She’s saying that this has turned into a shitshow and she doesn’t want anything more to do with it, which leaves open the door for speculation and keeps the story alive. There’s no closure with this, nor absolution. Essentially it just leaves the ball in her former employer’s court, to decide whether or not to proceed with this “review process.” They can let this thing die on the vine, or finish out the investigation in what may amount to a public win via self-audit. If they choose to let it go, they may be criticized for allowing it to quietly disappear, but, on the flipside, they’d be spending time and resources to continue probing an employee who just quit.
In the immediacy, there will be no more A.J. Brown reports coming from Russini, or will there? She could link up with a new outlet sooner rather than later and continue right along.
UPDATE 1 – she released the full resignation letter here:
Kevin has been writing about Philadelphia sports since 2009. He spent seven years in the CBS 3 sports department and started with the Union during the team's 2010 inaugural season. He went to the academic powerhouses of Boyertown High School and West Virginia University. email - k.kinkead@sportradar.com