The Athletic finds Dianna Russini violated standards in relationship with Mike Vrabel

Dianna Russini Mike Vrabel The Athletic journalistic standards NFL reporting

An internal investigation by The Athletic has concluded that former NFL reporter Dianna Russini violated company journalistic standards due to an undisclosed relationship with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. The review, conducted by editorial director for standards and quality Mike Semel, examined 903 stories, 204 podcast episodes, and 77 videos.

While the report found no evidence that Russini used her platform to provide inaccurate information or specifically favor Vrabel or his teams, it determined she was “noncompliant” for failing to disclose a relationship that created an appearance of a conflict of interest. The investigation noted that some of her past coverage appeared “gushing” or “effusive” in hindsight. The Athletic has added editor’s notes to four specific pieces of content to address these concerns.

Russini resigned from The Athletic in April following the publication of photographs by Page Six showing her and Vrabel together at a resort in Sedona, Arizona. Russini has stated she stands by all the reporting she has conducted throughout her career. Mike Vrabel, when asked for comment on the findings, stated that he and the team have “moved on” and are focused on the upcoming season.

Entities

Dianna Russini · Mike Semel · Mike Vrabel · New England Patriots · The Athletic

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The review found that the vast majority of Russini’s stories were unrelated to Vrabel. srnnews.com
[● 4 SOURCES] Mike Semel reviewed 903 stories, 204 podcast episodes, and 77 videos as part of the review. srnnews.com · defector.com · www.thewrap.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Editor’s notes were added to four pieces of Russini’s work, including one written story and three videos. srnnews.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The investigation did not reach a conclusion regarding the specific nature of the relationship between Russini and Vrabel. srnnews.com · www.thewrap.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Russini resigned from The Athletic in April. srnnews.com · www.thewrap.com
[● 4 SOURCES] Dianna Russini violated The Athletic’s standards by failing to disclose her relationship with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel. srnnews.com · defector.com · www.thewrap.com