NYT scrutinizing reporter Russini’s Vrabel coverage amid photo fallout
The Athletic is re-examining media coverage of NFL reporter Dianna Russini and the nature of her relationship with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel amid questions raised about the two men this week, sources familiar with the matter told ESPN on Friday.
The New York Post published photos Tuesday that appeared to show Russini kissing and interlocking Vrabel’s fingers on the roof of the adults-only Ambiente resort in Sedona, Arizona. Other photos appeared to show Russini and Vrabel together in and around the resort’s pool.
The Athletic’s editor-in-chief Steven Ginsberg initially issued a public defense of Russini and said the matter had been taken out of context.
Front Office Sports was first to report Friday that The Athletic had decided to re-examine the matter.
A source familiar with the matter at The Athletic told ESPN that the Post’s coverage “raised additional concerns that are currently being further investigated,” including its reporting on Vrabel and the nature of his relationship with the coach.
The source said the investigation was ongoing and “this process is expected to take time. She will not report in the meantime.”
Russini could not immediately be reached for comment.
Ginsberg initially said a review of the photos published by the Post lacked proper context, indicating that a larger group of friends was present with Russini and Vrabel.
“These photos are misleading and lack essential context,” Ginsberg told the Post. “These were public interactions in front of many people. Dianna is a top journalist covering the NFL and we are proud to have her at The Athletic.”
Russini, who is married, told the Post this week that the photos “do not depict the group of six people hanging out together during the day,” and Vrabel, who is also married, reportedly said the photos “show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion to the contrary is laughable.”
Multiple sources at The Athletic said Russini, who previously worked at ESPN, was one of the highest-paid journalists at the New York Times Company, which owns The Athletic. His contract will expire this summer.
