The Athletic is re-examining its coverage of NFL reporter Diana Russini and the nature of her relationship. new England Patriots Head coach Mike Vrabel amid questions raised about both this week, sources familiar with the matter told ESPN on Friday.
New York Post Photos published Tuesday showed Russini embracing Vrabel and shaking fingers on the rooftop of the adults-only Ambiente resort in Sedona, Arizona. Other photos show Russini and Vrabel together in and around the resort’s pool.
The Athletic’s executive editor, Steven Ginsberg, initially issued a public defense of Russini, saying the case had been taken out of context.
front office sports was report first On Friday, The Athletic decided to re-investigate.
A source familiar with the matter at The Athletic told ESPN that the Post’s coverage “has raised additional concerns that are now being further reviewed,” including their reporting of Vrabel and the nature of his relationship with the coach.
The source said the investigation is ongoing, and “that process is expected to take time. She will not report in the interim.”
Rasini could not immediately be reached for comment.
Ginsburg initially said that a review of the photos published by the Post lacked the proper context that a large group of friends was present with Russini and Vrabel.
“These photos are misleading and lack necessary context,” Ginsburg told the Post. “This was a public conversation in front of many people. Diana is a premier 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 represent a group of six people who were hanging out during the day,” and Vrabel, who is married, was quoted as saying that the photos “show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is ridiculous.”
Multiple sources at The Athletic have said that Russini, who previously worked at ESPN, is among the highest-paid journalists at The New York Times Company, which owns The Athletic. His contract is set to expire this summer.
