Female NFL Reporter Crissy Froyd Fired After Trashing Dianna Russini
A female NFL reporter has been fired after trashing Dianna Russini.
Crissy Froyd, who covers the NFL for USA TODAY SMG, called out Russini on social media, celebrating her downfall. Russini, who covered the NFL for The Athletic, resigned from her position on Tuesday, amid her Mike Vrabel scandal. She was photographed by Page Six at an Arizona resort, spending time by the pool with the Patriots head coach. Photographs also captured her holding hands and hugging the NFL head coach.
Tuesday night, she announced her resignation. She denied any wrongdoing, though she admitted the scandal had become too much.
"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," she wrote.
"Over a career spanning more than fifteen years in sports journalism - at NBC, ESPN, and The Athletic - I have built a body of work I am proud of. I have broken stories, earned the trust of sources across the league, and been guided by the highest standards of professional conduct. That record speaks for itself.
"I remain grateful to The Athletic and for the extraordinary colleagues with whom I have worked there, for the platform it provided, and for the support you showed me during this difficult time. I wish you nothing but continued success."
Immediately after her resignation, Froyd took to social media, celebrating the NFL insider's downfall.
"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," she wrote in response to Russini's resignation letter.
Froyd received some blowback, though she didn't back down.
"I will be so real here. Relationships with players and coaches and reporters isn't really troubling to me. Giving something up for info is as an exchange is wrong. Build your career on your own integrity. I don't support her at all," she added.
USA TODAY abruptly ends its contract with Froyd
USA TODAY announced on Thursday evening that it had ended its contract with Froyd following her comments on Russini.
"USA TODAY Sports has ended its contractor relationship with Crissy Froyd effective immediately. Her recent statements do not reflect our commitment to professionalism or uphold our principles of ethical conduct," USA TODAY Sports spokesperson Lark-Marie Anton announced.
While Froyd was celebrating Russini's loss of a job, she has now lost one, as well, ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft next week.
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This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 6:11 PM.