Dianna Russini had a good thing going at The Athletic.

A former vet at ESPN, she joined the aforementioned publication as its chief NFL newsbreaker. However, it all came crashing down once those photos with Mike Vrabel surfaced, and she’s since handed in her resignation.

Russini took to social media on Tuesday to share the letter she sent to her former employers informing them of her intention to step down.

The Athletic is probing Russini’s relationship with Vrabel, something she says is being impeded by all the media attention.

“This media frenzy is hurtling forward without regard for the review process The Athletic is trying to complete,” she wrote in said letter. “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.”

Time will tell what’s next for Russini. In the meantime, theories are popping up all over the place.

Did Dianna Russini Fall On The Sword?

Podcast host Tony Farmer is among those who have offered a hypothesis, suggesting the 43-year-old bit the bullet to protect Vrabel.

Farmer shared a post in which he theorized that Russini did not want The Athletic to discover her conversations with the Patriots head coach because they’d probably find evidence of tampering.

“I have no sources at the Athletic to prove this, but here is what my gut tells me happened,” he wrote. “The Athletic said, “Show us your texts with Mike Vrabel so we can investigate, or you’re fired” and then, any only then, did Dianna Russini chose to resign.

“She is protecting her “friend” because she knows there is evidence of tampering in those exchanges,” he added. “She fell on the sword.”

Of course, we’re unlikely to ever find out the main motivating factor regarding Russini’s resignation.

But everyone is awaiting the outcome of the outlet’s investigation. As to whether they will make it public – especially now that she’s stepped down – is another thing altogether.