USA Today has fired NFL reporter Crissy Froyd after she posted a scathing criticism of Dianna Russini following the latter’s resignation from The Athletic.
Russini announced her departure from the New York Times-owned outlet on Tuesday amid allegations of an affair with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. Both Russini and Vrabel deny the claims. Last week, photos emerged showing the 43-year-old reporter and 50-year-old coach hugging, lounging poolside, and laughing together during a stay at a luxury Sedona, Arizona resort charging $2,500 per night.
Froyd’s Controversial Social Media Post
Froyd, who covered NFL and college football, responded to Russini’s resignation letter with a pointed comment: “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.”
USA Today’s Termination Decision
On Thursday, USA Today confirmed Froyd’s contract termination effective immediately. The outlet stated: “Her recent statements do not reflect our commitment to professionalism or uphold our principles of ethical conduct.”
Froyd’s Response to Firing
Froyd described herself as “beyond distraught” over the dismissal. She explained: “I struggle to understand the positioning here after that was published, but that apparently I as an independent contractor cannot make my own statements on my own social media accounts.”
In additional remarks, Froyd leveled further accusations against Russini: “From fights with other reporters in Chili’s parking lots about hooking up with married NFL coaches to everything else, it is almost certainly all true. It was the worst kept secret in the NFL reporting world for a while. Someone once propositioned me to have Dianna potentially be my mentor. I declined because I knew what she was about and her track record.”
Russini has directed questions to her resignation letter and has not publicly addressed the latest allegations.
Froyd Addresses Hypocrisy Accusations
The 2021 LSU graduate faces claims of hypocrisy linked to her relationship with former college quarterback J.T. Daniels. Froyd responded transparently: “Alright, so, you probably have seen a lot of people coming after me. I’ll be transparent and I would love to use this as the greatest example. I had a strong relationship with former QB JT Daniels that, as anyone would imagine under those circumstances, did include multiple sexual encounters and there was a lot involved. However, JT and I didn’t begin that relationship until after he was out of football. I can honestly say I have never slept with a player or coach for professional gain. Dianna cannot say the same. That’s where the difference is.”
