Dianna Russini and The Athletic were discussing an extension to her $800,000 annual deal
NBC Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- Dianna Russini left ESPN for The Athletic with an annual salary close to $800,000, making her one of the highest-paid journalists in the history of the New York Times Company.
- The New York Times reported on the circumstances leading to Russini's resignation and noted that The Athletic was negotiating a contract renewal with her at the time of a controversial story about her relationship with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel.
- Russini was initially hired by The Athletic to attract subscribers but became a contentious figure both inside and outside the company.
- The Athletic is conducting an internal investigation into the situation, amid ongoing tensions within the Times Company related to The Athletic's acquisition and different editorial standards.
- The investigation's final report is expected soon, possibly around early July, as the Times and The Athletic aim to demonstrate consistent journalistic standards.
