The findings from The Athletic’s internal investigation into Dianna Russini’s work were published Thursday — and dubbed her relationship with Mike Vrabel a “clear violation” of newsroom standards.
“Regardless of whether the relationship was romantic, it was a breach and should have been disclosed,” Mike Semel, the outlet’s editorial director for standards and editorial quality, wrote in a report published on the company’s website.
“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,” Semel continued.
However, he continued, “That said, there are examples of Russini writing glowingly of Vrabel that in hindsight are awkward or even uncomfortable.”
Semel, who reviewed 903 stories, 77 videos and 204 episodes of the “Scoop City” podcast, noted that “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.”
He wrote, “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.”
Ultimately, Semel concluded, “The appearances surrounding her relationship with Vrabel undermines our audience’s confidence in her impartiality.”
In the report, he recommended new hires meet with the standards editor as part of their onboarding process — and that reporters disclose anonymous sources to the company.
A source told ESPN that Semel did not speak to Russini, 43, during the investigation but did interview staff members.
Russini resigned from her role at the New York Times’ sports site in April after Page Six published photos of her and Vrabel, who are both married to other people, holding hands and hugging at an Arizona resort.
Both denied any wrongdoing in statements.
While stepping back from her job, Russini insisted, “I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published.
“I have no interest in submitting to a public inquiry that has already caused far more damage than I am willing to accept,” she continued. “Rather than allowing this to continue, I have decided to step aside now. … I do so not because I accept the narrative that has been constructed around this episode, but because I refuse to lend it further oxygen or to let it define me or my career.”
Russini was a Senior NFL Insider at the organization, where she had been working since 2023, and has yet to comment on the scandal.
Vrabel, for his part, continues to coach the New England Patriots as he has since January 2025.
The 51-year-old sought counseling in the wake of the scandal — and is still going strong with wife Jen Vrabel.
Mike got married in 1999, with Russini and her husband, Kevin Goldschmidt, tying the knot in 2020.
Both couples have two sons each.
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