Dianna Russini Placed on Leave as The Athletic Investigates Mike Vrabel Photos
NFL reporter Dianna Russini has been placed on leave by The New York Times while The Athletic investigates photos showing her holding hands with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel. The photos were taken at an Arizona hotel and have been circulating among media outlets.
NFL insider Dianna Russini has been sidelined by her employer The Athletic while the company investigates photos showing her in what appear to be intimate moments with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel.
The photos, which show Russini and Vrabel holding hands at an Arizona hotel, were shopped around to multiple media outlets including TMZ before surfacing publicly. Russini's byline has not appeared on The Athletic since the investigation began.
The Athletic's Executive Editor Steven Ginsberg defended both parties, telling NBC News the photos are "misleading and lack essential context." He said the interactions were "public interactions in front of many people."
The New York Times owns The Athletic, which hired Russini as one of its top NFL reporters. The investigation represents a reversal for the outlet, which initially defended the reporter when the photos first emerged.
The situation highlights ongoing questions about boundaries between sports journalists and the athletes and coaches they cover professionally.
This raises questions about journalistic ethics when reporters have personal relationships with the coaches and players they cover. Sports fans rely on reporters to give unbiased coverage of their teams.
The Athletic's investigation continues. Watch for whether Russini returns to her reporting role or faces further disciplinary action.
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