The Athletic is reinvestigating the coverage of NFL reporter Dianna Russini and the character of her relationship with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel amid questions raised concerning the two this week, sources acquainted with the matter informed ESPN on Friday.
The New York Post on Tuesday printed pictures that appeared to point out Russini embracing and interlocking fingers with Vrabel on the roof of the adults-only Ambiente resort in Sedona, Arizona. Other pictures appeared to point out Russini and Vrabel collectively in and across the resort’s pool.
The Athletic’s govt editor, Steven Ginsberg, initially issued a public protection of Russini and mentioned the matter had been taken out of context.
Front Office Sports was first to report Friday that The Athletic determined to reinvestigate.
A supply acquainted with the matter at The Athletic informed ESPN that the Post’s coverage “raised additional concerns that are now being further reviewed,” together with her reporting of Vrabel and the character of her relationship with the coach.
The supply mentioned the investigation is ongoing, and “that process is expected to take time. She will not be reporting in the interim.”
Russini couldn’t instantly be reached for remark.
Ginsberg initially mentioned a overview of the pictures printed by the Post lacked the right context {that a} bigger group of associates was current with Russini and Vrabel.
“These photos are misleading and lack essential context,” Ginsberg informed the Post. “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.”
Russini, who’s married, informed the Post this week that the pictures “don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day,” and Vrabel, who can be married, was quoted as saying the pictures “show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable.”
Multiple sources at The Athletic have mentioned Russini, who previously labored at ESPN, is among the many highest-paid reporters at The New York Times Company, which owns The Athletic. Her contract is about to run out this summer time.
