CHOPPING BLOCK

NFL Reporter Axed After Celebrating Colleague’s Downfall

USA Today reporter Crissy Ford was fired after she called Dianna Russini a “detriment to women in sports.”

USA Today has cut ties with NFL reporter Crissy Froyd, 26, after she publicly cheered the exit of fellow reporter Dianna Russini. Froyd was fired following a blistering social media response to Russini’s departure from The Athletic, which came after leaked photos showed her cozied up with married New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel—though both have denied allegations of an affair. “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out,” Froyd wrote. “We know who you really are and what you’ve been up to for years.” She also labeled Russini, 43, a “detriment to women in sports.” USA Today moved quickly following Froyd’s candid remarks. In a statement on Thursday, the outlet said Froyd’s contract was terminated “effective immediately,” adding that her comments failed to meet its standards for professionalism and ethical conduct. Froyd, however, isn’t backing down. She told TMZ she is “beyond distraught” and questioned why, as an independent contractor, she couldn’t speak freely on her own social media. After a decade with USA Today, she told the outlet she has “zero regret” and is “beyond proud” of her work, adding she’s “looking forward to what is next.”