The New York Times has sidelined top NFL reporter Dianna Russini while it reviews her coverage following an internal investigation into photographs that appeared to show her with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, according to a report Friday.
Russini will not report for The Athletic — the Times-owned sports outlet where she serves as senior NFL insider — during the ongoing probe, a source familiar with the investigation told the New York Post’s Page Six.
The action follows Page Six’s April 7 publication of photos taken in late March at the adults-only Ambiente resort in Sedona, Arizona. Images showed Russini and Vrabel holding hands, hugging, lounging by the pool and relaxing in a hot tub.
The Athletic launched an internal review after Page Six contacted Russini for comment on the images. Athletic Executive Editor Steven Ginsberg and leadership initially determined the photos lacked essential context, specifically the presence of a larger group of friends.
But “new details from the Page Six report and information from the investigation raised additional concerns that are now being reviewed further,” the source said. “Her coverage is being reviewed. That process is expected to take time. She will not be reporting in the interim.”
Russini, 43, joined The Athletic in August 2023 after eight years as an NFL insider and on-air talent at ESPN, where she appeared regularly on “SportsCenter,” “NFL Live” and “Sunday NFL Countdown.” She leads The Athletic’s breaking NFL news coverage.
Both Russini and Vrabel, 50, have said the photos do not depict any improper conduct. Vrabel called the interaction “completely innocent” and said it “doesn’t deserve any further response.” Russini said the images failed to show a group of six people who were hanging out that day and noted that NFL reporters routinely interact with sources outside formal settings.
Flip the pages for the romantic photos.
