The Athletic reportedly sidelined Dianna Russini and launched a formal investigation into her relationship with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel after photos of the pair at an Arizona resort raised concerns
00:02 ET, 11 Apr 2026
The Athletic has opened a formal investigation into senior NFL insider Dianna Russini
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The Athletic has opened a formal investigation into senior NFL insider Dianna Russini(Image: Getty)
The Athletic has opened a formal investigation into senior NFL insider Dianna Russini and placed her on leave while the probe is underway, according to multiple reports Friday, a significant reversal from the outlet's initial public defense of one of its highest-profile reporters.
The development follows the publication earlier this week by Page Six of photographs appearing to show Russini, 43, and New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, 50, together at the Ambiente resort in Sedona, Arizona, an adults-only boutique hotel that markets itself as a romantic destination.
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The images appeared to show the pair holding hands and embracing on the private rooftop of a resort bungalow, as well as spending time together at the pool and in a hot tub. Both Russini and Vrabel are married to other people.
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The Athletic had not responded to our request for comment at time of publication.
When Page Six initially approached The Athletic for comment, executive editor Steven Ginsberg issued a firm public defense of his reporter. "These photos are misleading and lack essential context," Ginsberg said. "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."
Both Russini and Vrabel also denied wrongdoing. "The photos don't represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day," Russini said.
"Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues."
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New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has responded after pictures of him surfaced holding hands with another woman.
Vrabel was more pointed: "These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn't deserve any further response."
That position did not hold. By Friday, sources familiar with the matter told Page Six that The Athletic had reopened and significantly expanded its review. The investigation now extends beyond the photographs themselves to encompass Russini's coverage of Vrabel and the nature of their professional relationship.
"After Page Six reached out to Dianna for comment, The Athletic immediately began an investigation," a source familiar with the situation told Page Six.
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"While the apparent conduct in the photos raised questions for Steven and leadership at The Athletic, an initial review suggested the images provided lacked context, specifically the presence of a larger group of friends. New details from the Page Six report and information from the investigation raised additional concerns that are now being further reviewed. The investigation is ongoing."
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The source added that Russini would not be working in the interim. "Her coverage is being reviewed. That process is expected to take time. She will not be reporting in the interim."
Three eyewitnesses told Page Six they did not observe anyone else accompanying Russini and Vrabel during the day at the resort. When asked specifically whether Vrabel had been with a group of friends, one witness said simply: "No, he was with a girl."
Russini joined The Athletic in 2023 after a long tenure at ESPN and has been described by multiple sources as among the highest-paid reporters at The New York Times Company, which owns The Athletic. Her contract is reportedly set to expire this summer. She has covered Vrabel closely since his time as Tennessee Titans head coach, when she was ESPN's Titans beat reporter beginning in 2018.