NFL reporter Crissy Froyd faces termination from USA Today after posting a scathing comment about Dianna Russini’s departure from The Athletic. Russini, 43, stepped down from the New York Times-owned outlet this week following allegations of an affair with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, 50. Both have denied the claims.

Russini’s Exit and Controversy

Suggestive photos surfaced last week showing Russini and Vrabel embracing, relaxing poolside, and laughing during a luxury stay at a $2,500-per-night resort in Sedona, Arizona. In her resignation letter, Russini addressed the matter, stating that everything she has to say is contained there. She has not publicly responded to further comments.

Froyd’s Controversial Response

Froyd, who covers NFL and college football, responded to Russini’s announcement with a pointed social media 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 Decision

USA Today confirmed Froyd’s contract termination effective immediately. A statement from the outlet read: “Her recent statements do not reflect our commitment to professionalism or uphold our principles of ethical conduct.”

Froyd Reacts to Firing

In an interview with TMZ, Froyd described her dismissal as leaving her “beyond distraught.” She added: “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.”

Froyd elaborated further, alleging: “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.”

Addressing Hypocrisy Claims

Froyd, a 2021 LSU graduate, addressed accusations of hypocrisy stemming from her past relationship with former college quarterback J.T. Daniels. She clarified: “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.”