Well, it looks like the sports media world just got its latest episode of “Wait, what’s going on here?” starring Dianna Russini and Mike Vrabel. And yes, it involves viral photos, whispers, and a sudden “you might want to sit this one out” moment.
According to reports, Russini has been placed on leave by The Athletic while they investigate some very talk-worthy photos featuring her and Vrabel. The internet, as expected, immediately clocked in for duty. Detectives everywhere, zooming in, enhancing and probably analyzing body language like it’s a crime scene episode.
The Athletic executive editor Steven Ginsberg issued his own denial after the publication, calling the photos ‘misleading’ and lacking ‘essential context,’ while defending Russini‘s professionalism.
‘These were public interactions in front of many people,’ Ginsberg told Page Six. ‘Dianna is a premier journalist covering the NFL, and we’re proud to have her at The Athletic.’
The Daily Mail has since learned Russini was placed on leave while the Athletic investigates her coverage and the circumstances behind the photos.
The New York Times has since reported on the controversy while mentioning its own policy forbidding its journalists from ‘any activities that pose a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict.’
Meanwhile, Russini’s rival, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, says the story ‘raises questions.’
‘The lines get blurred in these sorts of situations sometimes, and again, it’s hard because I think a lot of times, my female colleagues get questioned in ways when they’re seen, with these guys, out, in ways that I do not get questioned,’ Breer told 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston. ‘And I think a lot of that is totally unfair.
‘And if this is what it looks like,’ Breer added, ‘then this is really bad for all the women who are doing it on the level.
In the end, this could turn out to be absolutely nothing. Just two people, one moment, and a camera angle doing way too much, or it could be something. That’s exactly what the investigation is for.
Until then, everyone is stuck refreshing their feeds, waiting for updates like it’s the season finale of a show nobody planned to watch but now can’t ignore.
Check out Dianna Russini’s hot shots.
