The Athletichas benched star NFL reporter Dianna Russini after photos surfaced of her cozying up to New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. Leadership at the New York Times owned outlet confirmed an active investigation into her conduct and coverage.
The probe began after images showed the 43-year-old reporter and the 50-year-old coach together at the Ambiente resort in Sedona. Eyewitnesses spotted the pair sharing breakfast and lounging in a hot tub during their Arizona getaway on March 28.
Nov 10, 2019; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; ESPN radio sideline reporter Dianna Russini during the NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Rams at Heinz Field. The Steelers defeated the Rams 17-12. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 10, 2019; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; ESPN radio sideline reporter Dianna Russini during the NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Rams at Heinz Field. The Steelers defeated the Rams 17-12. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Both Russini and Vrabel remain married to other people. The reporter married an executive in 2020 and has two children. Vrabel and his wife Jen celebrated 25 years of marriage last year. The photos captured them holding hands and dancing.
“These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable,” Vrabel toldPage Six. “This doesn’t deserve any further response.” The coach took over the Patriots in 2025 and led them to the Super Bowl that season.
Russini also dismissed the allegations by citing professional norms. “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.”
The Athletic initially backed their senior insider before shifting gears as more details emerged. Executive editor Steven Ginsberg first called the images misleading. However, additional information from the investigation raised serious concerns that triggered her immediate removal from reporting duties.
While the pair claimed they were part of a larger group, resort guests saw things differently. Three witnesses reported seeing only the reporter and the coach together. One bystander specifically noted that Vrabel was not with a group but with one girl.
Investigative probe into Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini relationship
The publication is now meticulously reviewing Dianna Russini’s past reporting for any potential conflicts of interest. This scrutiny follows her rise as a premier league insider. The Athletic is keeping her off the NFL beat while the internal review remains ongoing.
“Her coverage is being reviewed,” a source familiar with the situation said. “That process is expected to take time. She will not be reporting in the interim.” This hiatus leaves a significant hole in the outlet’s football coverage during a busy offseason.
The controversy highlights the thin line between building source relationships and maintaining professional distance. The New York Times acquired the sports site to bolster its prestige. Now they must handle a scandal involving their top scoop hunter and a high-profile coach.
The Athletic declined to provide further official comment on the investigation’s timeline. Dianna Russini remains sidelined as the sports world watches how the Times handles its first major internal crisis since the acquisition.