The Athletic is reinvestigating NFL reporter Dianna Russini's coverage and the nature of her relationship with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel amid questions raised about the two this week, sources familiar with the matter told ESPN on Friday. The New York Post on Tuesday published photos that appeared to show Russini embracing and interlocking fingers with Vrabel on the roof of the adults-only Ambiente resort in Sedona, Arizona. Other photos appeared to show Russini and Vrabel together in and around the resort's pool. The Athletic's executive editor, Steven Ginsberg, initially issued a public defense of Russini and said the matter had been taken out of context. A source familiar with the matter at The Athletic told ESPN that the Post's coverage "raised additional concerns that are now being further reviewed," including her reporting of Vrabel and the nature of her relationship with the coach.

Source: New York Times April 11, 2026 18:21 UTC