Ever since the Dianna Russini-Mike Vrabel scandal broke earlier this offseason, critics haven’t stopped targeting the pair of high-profile NFL figures. In fact, it’s been hard to find many, or really anyone, with something positive to say about Russini now that she’s departed from “The Athletic.”
But now one of Russini’s former coworkers has stepped forth to defend the longtime NFL analyst.
Mike Silver Defends Dianna Russini on Social Media
The internet can be quite ruthless at times. Especially when a popular figure gets caught going against the grain.
That’s what happened with Russini this offseason, and aside from a family outing, we haven’t seen her resurface yet. But now one of her old pals is coming to Russini’s defense.
It all happened because NFL podcaster Tony Farmer has been asking questions about NFL reporter Mike Silver staying silent on Russini ever since the scandal surfaced. Once Silver caught wind, he took to X to directly respond to critics questioning his inactivity regarding Russini.
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“I evidently blocked that guy years ago and have no idea who he is or what his obsession is,” Silver said about Farmer. “I loved working with Dianna and am bummed that she’s no longer at The Athletic, and I’m sure I’ll answer a question sometime when someone legitimate poses it on a legitimate platform lol.”
I evidently blocked that guy years ago and have no idea who he is or what his obsession is… I loved working with Dianna and am bummed that she’s no longer at The Athletic and I’m sure I’ll answer a question sometime when someone legitimate poses it on a legitimate platform lol
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) August 20, 2026
Clearly, Silver doesn’t think much of Farmer, though he admits to having “no idea who he is.” Still, he also adds that he is willing to comment, discuss, or answer questions when someone has something “legitimate” to ask about his former coworker.
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Surely, someone else will step to the plate and try to get some kind of inside scoop from Silver. Whether he knows any further juicy details remains to be seen. Or if he did, whether he’d be willing to share them, knowing he holds Russini in such high regard, may be another challenge.
Ultimately, everyone is still waiting for the details to emerge from the internal investigation being conducted by “The Athletic.”
Chances are, Silver has already been questioned by his employer about his interactions with Russini, and he may have even been instructed to avoid the topic publicly. Yet, today’s interactions suggest Silver is free to speak on the topic as he pleases.
