NFL reporter under investigation after being seen holding hands with Patriots coach

English Posted on  —by S Costa
NFL reporter under investigation after being seen holding hands with Patriots coach
NFL reporter under investigation after being seen holding hands with Patriots coach (Photo: Instagram / Creative Commons)

Dianna Russini, an NFL reporter, is under investigation by her employer after being seen in an apparent romantic setting with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel at a luxury resort in Arizona.

The case was reported last Saturday (11) by The New York Times, which revealed that Russini, 43, is being investigated by The Athletic over her conduct involving Vrabel, 50.

In photos published last week by Page Six, Russini and Vrabel appear in an apparent romantic setting, holding hands and embracing by the pool at the boutique resort Ambiente Sedona in Arizona.

According to a source cited by The Times, The Athletic is investigating “the nature of Ms. Russini’s relationship with Mr. Vrabel,” as well as her coverage. She will not be working while the investigation is ongoing, according to the outlet.

The Times reported that The Athletic’s editorial guidelines require journalists to avoid activities that present a conflict of interest, or the “appearance of a conflict,” so their credibility is not called into question.

Vrabel spoke to The New York Post about the released photos and suggested it was a misunderstanding. “These photos show a completely innocent interaction, and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This does not deserve any further response.”

Russini also addressed the images, saying that “the photos do not represent the group of six people who were spending time together that day.” “Like most NFL reporters, journalists interact with sources outside of stadiums and other locations,” she told The Post.

At the same time, Steven Ginsberg, executive editor of The Athletic, said the photos were “misleading” and lacked “essential context.” “These were public interactions in front of many people. Dianna is a top-tier journalist covering the NFL, and we are proud to have her at The Athletic,” he said in a statement.

+ Noah Wyle looks back on the beginning of his career and talks about auditioning for the role of Ross Geller in “Friends”

Photos: Instagram @diannarussini / Creative Commons / X @FearedBuck. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.

Back to top