Dianna Russini sidelined by New York Times during investigation into Mike Vrabel photos
Dianna Russini has been sidelined during an NYT investigation after photos surfaced of the NFL reporter with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, per reports.
National NFL reporter Dianna Russini is now under internal investigation by The Athletic, according to multiple reports . The news comes after the New York Post's Page Six released photos on April 7 of Russini with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel at an Arizona resort. Russini's coverage and conduct have been called into question since the photos surfaced.
They showed the pair in bathing suits at a pool and also hugging on a rooftop at the adult-only Ambiente in Sedona, Arizona, two weekends ago. Both Vrabel, 50, and Russini, 43, are married to other people. The Athletic , which is owned and operated by The New York Times, opted to reopen the internal investigation after the Post's report "raised additional concerns that are now being further reviewed," according to ESPN .
Russini will be sidelined during the investigation, as first reported by Front Office Sports' Ryan Glasspiegel on April 10. Russini's last byline for The Athletic was published on April 7. Steven Ginsberg, executive editor of The Athletic, initially put out a statement in support of Russini, who joined the outlet in 2023.
"These photos are misleading and lack essential context," Ginsberg said. "These were public interactions in front of many people. Dianna is a premier journalist covering the NFL and we’re proud to have her at The Athletic.