The Athletic says Dianna Russini’s ties to Mike Vrabel broke newsroom standards
An internal review found the former NFL reporter’s relationship with the Patriots coach created a conflict appearance, though investigators saw no clear evidence of biased coverage.
The Athletic said Thursday that former NFL reporter Dianna Russini’s relationship with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel breached its newsroom standards after a five-month internal review. The company said the issue raised a conflict concern even though investigators did not find proof of slanted reporting.
Editorial standards chief Mike Semel said the review could not establish the exact nature of the relationship, but concluded that it created the appearance of a conflict of interest. He also said the inquiry did not uncover clear signs that Russini’s coverage of Vrabel or the Patriots was influenced by the connection.
The outlet, owned by The New York Times, launched the investigation after a photo of Russini and Vrabel at an Arizona resort drew attention. Russini later resigned from her role at The Athletic.
The findings were released as part of the company’s internal standards process, with the review focused on whether the relationship met the publication’s rules for reporters covering the NFL.
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