NFL reporter Dianna Russini has released a statement after being spotted holding hands with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel.
Last week, Page Six of the New York Post obtained photographs of the pair, which were taken in March.
The photographs showed Vrabel and Russini holding hands on what appears to be the roof of a private bungalow in Sedona, Arizona, and in a pool together. Both are married to other people.
Vrabel stated that the photographs were 'completely innocent'.
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"These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable," he told Page Six. "This doesn't deserve any further response."
Russini, the senior NFL insider for The Athletic, said that the photographs 'don't represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day', while The Athletic's executive editor Steven Ginsberg described them as 'misleading and lack[ing] essential context'.
"These were public interactions in front of many people," he added.
The Athletic have launched an internal review process into the photographs, but Russini has now decided to step down from her role before the completion of the process.
In a letter written to executive editor Ginsberg, she claimed that the 'media frenzy' into her interactions with Vrabel 'continues to escalate, fueled by repeated leaks'.
"I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published," the letter, published on Russini's Bluesky account, reads.
"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.
"Morever, this media frenzy 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."
Ryan Smart