The Athletic Confirms Diana Russini ‘Not Reporting’ While Under Investigation for Vrabel Photos
The Athletic NFL senior reporter Diana Russini will not report while the outlet conducts an in-depth investigation into intimate photos of her and New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel released last week.
Athletic, which is part of the New York Times, issued a press release announcing its decision.
“According to the person familiar with Athletics investigation, the nature of Ms. Russini’s relationship with Mr. Vrabel and its cover-up are under review, and she will not report while the investigation is ongoing,” Katie Robertson’s report reports.
Robertson’s article refers to the editorial guidelines that govern journalists for The Athletic/New York Times.
“When we report and write stories, we have no agenda, and our readers must understand that. If our readers question our adherence to this fundamental tenet of journalism, our credibility will be at stake. To maintain the highest form of authority, we must avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest and reveal sources or affiliations that might call into question our ability to be credible. For example, writers who have collaborated with a source – athlete, general manager, team official or broadcaster – on a book should not speak on this subject. Additionally, written permission from editorial management is required to pursue a project of this nature.
Vrabel, the former Super Bowl champion turned head coach, was caught on cameras with Athletic NFL reporter Diana Russini in a hot tub at an exclusive Arizona resort last month, according to Page Six.
Vrabel and Russini are married to other people.
Russini was named senior NFL reporter by The Athletic in the summer of 2023; before that, she worked at ESPN for eight years. For their part, the Patriots have reportedly canceled Vrabel’s media presence during Monday’s pre-draft press conferences.
