The Athletic reporter Dianna Russini is under investigation by the publication after photos emerged last week of her holding hands and hugging New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel at a luxury resort in Arizona.
Russini, 43, and Vrabel, 50 — who are both married — shared statements denying any wrongdoing hours after the images were published by Page Six. The photos were reportedly taken at the Ambiente hotel in Sedona on March 28.
On Saturday, The New York Times, which acquired The Athletic as its sports outlet in 2022, confirmed that the nature of Russini’s relationship with Vrabel and her coverage were being reviewed. She will not be reporting while the investigation is underway.
The Athletic’s editorial guidelines require that their journalists avoid any activities that pose a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict, so as not to call into question their credibility, The Times added.
The Independent has contacted Russini for comment.
“The photos don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day. Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues,” Russini said in a statement to Page Six in response to its report.
Russini shares two children with her husband, Shake Shack executive Kevin Goldschmidt. A source close to the former ESPN anchor told Page Six she was staying at the hotel during a hiking trip with two female friends.
Steven Ginsberg, executive editor of The Athletic, also stood by his reporter, telling Page Six: “These photos are misleading and lack essential context. 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.”
In a statement of his own, Vrabel, who celebrated his 26th anniversary with wife Jen Vrabel last year, said: “These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn’t deserve any further response.”
Vrabel and his wife share two children: Tyler (offensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons), 25, and Carter, 24.
Russini joined The Athletic in 2023, where she hosts the Scoop City: Inside the NFL podcast. She holds the title of “senior NFL insider” at the publication.
Vrabel, a former Patriots linebacker who spent eight seasons with the team, was appointed head coach in January 2025 and made an immediate impact, guiding the franchise to a surprise Super Bowl appearance this year and earning NFL Coach of the Year honors.
Russini previously faced scrutiny in 2015 when Jessica McCloughan, wife of the Washington Commanders (then the Redskins) GM Scot McCloughan, publicly accused them of having an affair.
However, Jessica later apologized for her remarks.
“The comment was unfounded and inappropriate, and I have the utmost respect for both the reporter and ESPN,” she shared on Twitter.
“I regret that my actions have brought undeserved negative attention to the Redskins organization and its leadership. My comments in no way reflect the opinions or attitudes of the organization and I regret that my behavior has in any way negatively impacted the team and its loyal fan base.”
