Investigation Highlights Standards Violation Leading to Resignation

An investigation by The Athletic has found that former NFL reporter Dianna Russini breached company standards due to her association with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel. This violation prompted her resignation in April.

The inquiry did not determine the nature of Russini’s relationship with Vrabel. Vrabel acknowledged his actions but did not comment on photos showing him with Russini at an Arizona resort. He sought counseling and took temporary leave from the team during the NFL draft.

We neither completed an investigation nor reached any conclusion about the nature of the full relationship between Vrabel and Russini, but the totality of the public photographs are enough to conclude a violation of company policy, the report stated.

Steven Ginsberg, executive editor at The Athletic, addressed employees about the report. He emphasized the importance of journalistic integrity and audience trust.

Mike Semel, editorial director for standards and quality, conducted a thorough review of Russini’s work. This included examining 903 articles, 204 podcast episodes, and 77 videos. Semel noted that most of Russini’s work did not involve Vrabel, and only a few mentioned him.

Ginsberg informed staff that editor’s notes were added to four pieces that did not meet standards. These included one written article and three videos.

Photos of Vrabel and Russini in Sedona, Arizona, were taken before the NFL meetings in Phoenix in late March, as reported by the New York Post. Vrabel and Russini are both married, and the NFL did not investigate Vrabel’s conduct.

Semel’s report stated, Russini’s relationship with Vrabel was in clear violation of The Athletic’s standards. Regardless of whether the relationship was romantic, it was a breach and should have been disclosed.

Vrabel had led the Patriots to the Super Bowl, where they lost to Seattle. He was named AP NFL Coach of the Year in his first season, surpassing Jacksonville’s Liam Coen by 63 points.

Russini defended her resignation in a statement, affirming her commitment to professional journalism. She expressed gratitude for The Athletic’s initial support and criticized speculative commentary in the media. Russini decided to step away to avoid letting the situation define her career.