A lot of open secrets are pouring out of everyone, everywhere. Some of it has been known for years, like former Rep. Eric Swalwell’s (D-CA) proclivities that destroyed his entire public career in one weekend. In sports, Dianna Russini, a longtime and trusted sports journalist, resigned from her position at The Athletic after photos of her with New England Patriots Coach Mike Vrabel were published. The two were seen cozying up by the pool at the Sedona hotel before the NFL owners meeting in March, but it’s Jemele Hill’s take on this whole affair that’s frankly laughable.
I mean, Vrabel and Russini tried to downplay the photos, but it’s not a good look. Both are married, and Russini must have known her resignation would only reinforce what everyone else was thinking. Still, Jemele Hill, also an ESPN alumnae like Russini, really tried to make this a sexism/misogyny lecture, because of course, right (via Page Six):
I submitted my letter of resignation to The Athletic. Everything I have to say about it is below. pic.twitter.com/401nrtbEsj
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) April 14, 2026
𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: The Dianna Russini - Mike Vrabel scandal just got even crazier.
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 20, 2026
Russini's past AP votes may be put under investigation.
A perfect breakdown by @Tonysmarkettips.pic.twitter.com/kfaO6yynvI
Jemele Hill, a fellow veteran sports reporter, said that male reporters are not held “to a similar standard of ethics,” in reaction to Dianna Russini resigning from the Athletic after Page Six published photos of Russini at a lux hotel with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel.
“While the photos raised questions, if male insiders were held to a similar standard of ethics, none of them would exist,” Hill posted on X.
Hill continued to defend her stance after receiving criticism, responding to a commenter who wrote, “This isn’t a feminist issue … The photos raised valid concerns.”
Hill replied, “I didn’t say it didn’t raise concerns, but trust me when I tell you that a lot of insiders are in some truly compromised relationships. Maybe they aren’t holding hands, but they are drinking with these dudes, going on vacations, attending weddings and family events.”
“Dianna ain’t gotta give a f—k about me for me understand an obvious double standard,” she continued. “If she has a compromised relationship, she should be relieved of her beat, but there is a clear difference in the level of scrutiny and judgment she’s receiving versus Mike Vrabel. Her career will be over. Him … see him on the sidelines for Game 1.”
Yeah, I don’t know, Jemele. I think if NFL insider Adam Schefter were caught in a gay affair with Vrabel, it would make the front pages. It would be news, and there would be accountability. Also, it seems like she would’ve been safe at her job. Her resignation letter all but says her editors stood by her, so she probably couldn’t withstand being the dinner special. The story is pretty much over now that it’s draft week.
It has led to some very funny reactions:
Please credit Dianna Russini https://t.co/MjmZ8XJWwP
— Molly (@FSUmollz) April 20, 2026
What if Rickey Scoops was just Dianna Russini this whole time?? https://t.co/ANUQsU87HQ
— Uncle Drunk (@DrunkatTheRalph) April 21, 2026
