NFL reporter fired over Dianna Russini comments but stands by what was said
NFL writer Crissy Froyd has stood her ground after being fired for her comments about fellow journalist Dianna Russini.
Russini, who used to cover the NFL for The Athletic, quit last week after pictures surfaced online showing her holding hands and hugging New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel at a resort in Arizona. Both Russini, 43, and Vrabel, 50, are married and have denied any improper relationship.
After the photos came out, The Athletic said they would investigate Russini’s relationship with Vrabel and her reporting on the Patriots, since their editorial rules forbid any conflicts of interest. Soon after, Russini resigned, which sparked a lot of reactions from other journalists.
One of those critics was Froyd, an NFL writer for USA Today Sports. She called Russini’s resignation a “win” and said Russini hurt women in sports.
Froyd wrote, “I’m sure you were told to quit or you’d be fired. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out… We know who you really are and what you’ve been doing for years. It hurts women in sports who play by the rules.”
Shortly after, Froyd was fired for these remarks. USA Today said her comments didn’t match their values or professional standards.
But Froyd isn’t sorry. She took to social media to stand by her words, calling herself a “martyr.”
In a post on X, she said, “I want to acknowledge that I’m no longer with USA TODAY SMG. I regret nothing I said and I stand by it. My messages and email are open if anyone wants to talk. I’ve been honest and did nothing wrong.
“It’s funny that a column about Russini could be published at USA Today, but my own social media comments about her were not okay.
“Speak up and be bold. Yes, it might make you a martyr, but some things are worth it — this was one of those things.”
Since then, Froyd has shared more posts supporting her views and criticizing her former employers. Meanwhile, Russini has kept quiet on social media since her resignation, and Vrabel doesn’t seem affected by all this.