The Athletic says Russini breached standards over Vrabel relationship

The Athletic said Thursday that former NFL reporter Dianna Russini violated the newsroom’s standards by failing to disclose a close relationship with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, even as an internal review found no clear evidence that her coverage was biased in his favor.

The findings came after a five-month investigation by Mike Semel, The Athletic’s editorial director for standards and quality, into Russini’s work for the New York Times-owned sports publication. Semel wrote that the relationship created the appearance of a conflict of interest and should have been disclosed, regardless of its exact nature.

“Russini’s relationship with Vrabel was in clear violation of The Athletic’s standards,” Semel wrote. “Regardless of whether the relationship was romantic, it was a breach and should have been disclosed.”

At the same time, Semel said the review did not establish that Russini used her position to advance Vrabel’s interests.

“I’ve not found a clear link to conclude that Russini used her platform to help promote Vrabel or help his teams during her time at The Athletic,” he wrote. “That said, there are examples of Russini writing glowingly of Vrabel that in hindsight are awkward or even uncomfortable.”

The investigation began after the New York Post published photos of Russini and Vrabel at an Arizona resort around the time of the NFL owners meetings in March. Some photos appeared to show the two embracing and holding hands, The Guardian reported. Russini and Vrabel, who are both married to other people, said the interaction was platonic. Russini said the photos did not show that they were part of a larger group gathering, while Vrabel called any suggestion of impropriety “laughable.”

The Athletic initially defended Russini, with its executive editor saying the photos lacked context, according to The Guardian. The outlet later began reviewing her work after additional photos and reporting raised questions about the relationship. Russini resigned on April 14, less than a week after the photos drew scrutiny.

“I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published,” Russini said in her resignation letter.

Semel said he reviewed 903 stories and 77 videos published on The Athletic’s site and app that carried Russini’s byline, co-byline, contributor line or a mention of her reporting. He also reviewed 204 episodes of the “Scoop City” podcast, which The Athletic produced and Russini co-hosted, as well as 25 off-platform appearances or interviews in which she represented the outlet. Semel said he interviewed 14 Athletic staffers. NBC News reported that Semel’s piece did not mention any interviews with Russini herself for the probe.

According to Semel’s report, Russini told editors that her relationship with Vrabel was “close” but “strictly professional.” Semel said most of Russini’s work for The Athletic did not involve Vrabel, the teams he coached or players those teams pursued.

“The vast majority of Russini’s work for The Athletic had nothing to do with Vrabel, the teams he was coaching or the players the team was pursuing,” Semel wrote. “Russini’s work was seldom reliant on Vrabel as a source or subject. In interviews with editors and reporters with whom she worked most closely, it was clear Russini was sourced up around the NFL, not just with Vrabel or the Patriots.”

Still, Semel pointed to coverage that appeared problematic in hindsight, including a 2023 “What I’m Hearing” column in which Russini wrote that Vrabel, then coach of the Tennessee Titans, would not be fired.

“Angry Tennessee Titans fans can stop hoping owner Amy Adams Strunk fires Vrabel. It’s not happening,” Russini wrote, citing “multiple conversations with high-ranking Titans officials.” The Titans fired Vrabel two months later.

The NFL chose not to investigate Vrabel’s behavior, The Guardian reported. After Russini’s resignation, Vrabel said the situation led to “difficult conversations” and that he would seek counseling.

Russini could not be immediately reached for comment Thursday, NBC News reported. The New York Times Company and Russini declined comment to ESPN and The New York Times, according to The Guardian.