Dianna Russini, Mike Vrabel relationship was ‘a clear violation,’ investigation finds

Earlier this year, news broke of what appeared to be a relationship between longtime NFL insider Diana Russini and New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. Russini has since resigned from her role with The Athletic, and now an internal investigation at the outlet has finally concluded.

On Thursday, The Athletic finally released the findings of its investigation. And while those findings didn’t necessarily reveal much new information, it does bring closure to the whole ordeal.

Back in April, Page Six published photos of Russini and New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel at an Arizona resort. At the time, both denied any wrongdoing. Russini said the photos didn’t represent “the group of six people who were hanging out during the day.”

Despite denying wrongdoing, Russini ultimately resigned before an investigation concluded.

The scandal took another turn following Russini’s resignation when Page Six obtained new photos of Vrabel and Russini close together and kissing inside a New York City bar in March of 2020.

“They were kissing and they were all over each other,” an eyewitness told Page Six. “He had a ring on.”

On Thursday, The Athletic officially announced the conclusion of its investigation, finding that there was a “clear violation” of the outlet’s standards.

“Russini’s relationship with Vrabel was in clear violation of The Athletic’s standards,” writes Mike Semel, who conducted the probe. “Regardless of whether the relationship was romantic, it was a breach and should have been disclosed.”

“When reporting and writing stories we do not have an agenda and it is important that our readers understand that. If our readers question our adherence to that basic tenet of journalism, our credibility will be at stake. To maintain the highest form of authority we should avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest and reveal those sources or affiliations that may put into question our ability to be credible,” Semel continued.

The investigation also found that Russini did not respond to the situation correctly, either.

“When first confronted with the photos by The New York Post,” Semel explains, “Russini waited two days before telling her editors and managers. She then told a story to explain the photos that did not align with facts, raising issues of trust.”

Russini has since resigned from The Athletic and remains out of the industry.