NFL reporter Crissy Froyd faces immediate termination from USA Today following a harsh social media comment targeting Dianna Russini after her resignation from The Athletic.
Russini’s Resignation Amid Affair Allegations
Dianna Russini, 43, stepped down from the New York Times-owned publication on Tuesday. The move comes amid claims of an affair with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, 50, which both have denied. Photos surfaced last week showing the pair embracing, relaxing poolside, and laughing during a stay at a luxury resort in Sedona, Arizona, costing $2,500 per night.
Froyd’s Controversial Response
Froyd, who covered NFL and college football, responded to Russini’s resignation letter with a pointed remark: “I’m sure you were told to submit this or that you’d get fired instead. 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.”
USA Today’s Decision
USA Today confirmed Froyd’s contract termination effective immediately. A statement from the outlet reads: “Her recent statements do not reflect our commitment to professionalism or uphold our principles of ethical conduct.”
Froyd Reacts to Firing
Froyd expressed shock in a recent interview, stating she feels “beyond distraught.” She added: “I struggle to understand the positioning here after that was published, but that apparently I as an independent contractor cannot make my own statements on my own social media accounts.”
In further comments, Froyd elaborated on her views, alleging: “From fights with other reporters in Chili’s parking lots about hooking up with married NFL coaches to everything else, it is almost certainly all true. It was the worst kept secret in the NFL reporting world for a while. Someone once propositioned me to have Dianna potentially be my mentor. I declined because I knew what she was about and her track record.”
Russini has not publicly addressed these claims and indicated that her resignation letter contains all relevant details.
Addressing Hypocrisy Claims
Froyd, an LSU graduate from 2021, faced accusations of hypocrisy over her past relationship with former college quarterback J.T. Daniels. She clarified: “I had a strong relationship with former QB JT Daniels that, as anyone would imagine under those circumstances, did include multiple sexual encounters and there was a lot involved. However, JT and I didn’t begin that relationship until after he was out of football. I can honestly say I have never slept with a player or coach for professional gain. Dianna cannot say the same. That’s where the difference is.”
