Crissy Froyd, NFL Reporter for USA Today, was fired last month after comments about Dianna Russini and her recent scandal with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel.

Froyd trashed Russini on her X account, calling her a “detriment to women in sports” after Russini posted her resignation from The Athletic. Two days later, USA Today announced the firing of Froyd.

“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,” the company announced via an X post.

Froyd said that she stands by her statements despite being fired from her job.

“I regret zero of what I said and stand beside it. If you want to talk, my messages are open. My email is operative, too. I feel I’ve been very transparent and did nothing wrong.”

Froyd’s comments about Russini surprised many.

“I’m sure you were told to submit this or that you’d get fired instead,” Froyd posted in response to Russini’s resignation. “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,” Froyd alleged. “It does so much detriment to women in sports who have done things the right way.”

Vrabel and Russini both deny any accusations against them, with Vrabel saying, “These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable.”

The Athletic is currently in the middle of its investigation into this scandal.

Dianna Russini’s departure from The Athletic has caused tension between The Athletic’s leadership and the staff of its parent company, The New York Times.

Page Six originally posted photos of Russini with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel on April 7. The two were seen holding hands and hugging at the Ambiente Sedona hotel in Arizona. 

The Athletic originally defended Russini.  

“These photos are misleading and lack essential context,” Steven Ginsberg, executive editor of The Athletic, said in a statement. “These were public interactions in front of many people. Dianna is a premier journalist covering the NFL, and we’re proud to have her at The Athletic.”

Despite this, The New York Times launched a formal investigation into the photos on April 11. Two days later, Russini announced that she would be stepping away from her job at The Athletic. 

“When the Page Six item first appeared, The Athletic supported me unequivocally, expressed confidence in my work and pride in my journalism. For that I am grateful,” Russini said. 

Page Six interviewed an anonymous source from The New York Times. The source was unhappy with how The Athletic handled the news initially.

“It was really embarrassing for the Times,” said one insider, who told us that after the story broke, it was a major talking point on various desks across the Times newsroom. “It raised a lot of concerns because it’s something that should be taken seriously and [the statement] made it seem as if they didn’t think it warranted investigation.”

Ginsberg revealed that The Athletic was also investigating the photos. However, he said the publication’s instinct was to defend its writer. 

He also said the investigation will continue even after Russini leaves The Athletic. He considers journalistic integrity an important part of The Athletic’s mission.