The Athletic has published the findings of its internal investigation into Dianna Russini, branding her relationship with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel a “clear violation” of newsroom standards.
“Regardless of whether the relationship was romantic, it was a breach and should have been disclosed,” Semel wrote.
“I’ve not found a clear link to conclude that Russini used her platform to help promote Vrabel or help his teams during her time at The Athletic,” Semel continued.
“That said, there are examples of Russini writing glowingly of Vrabel that in hindsight are awkward or even uncomfortable,” he added.
Semel noted that “the vast majority of Russini’s work for The Athletic had nothing to do with Vrabel, the teams he was coaching or the players the team was pursuing.” He also found that “in interviews with editors and reporters with whom she worked most closely, it was clear Russini was sourced up around the NFL, not just with Vrabel or the Patriots.”
Ultimately, Semel concluded, “The appearances surrounding her relationship with Vrabel undermines our audience’s confidence in her impartiality.”
Russini, 43, resigned from her post as Senior NFL Insider in April after the outlet published photos of her and Vrabel, 51, holding hands and hugging at an Arizona resort. Both are married to other people. She had been with the outlet-owned sports site since 2023.
In her resignation statement, Russini insisted, “I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published.”
“I have no interest in submitting to a public inquiry that has already caused far more damage than I am willing to accept,” she continued. “Rather than allowing this to continue, I have decided to step aside now. … I do so not because I accept the narrative that has been constructed around this episode, but because I refuse to lend it further oxygen or to let it define me or my career.”
Both Russini and Vrabel denied any wrongdoing in statements at the time. Vrabel continues to coach the Patriots, a position he took in January 2025. He sought counseling in the wake of the scandal and remains married to Jen Vrabel, whom he wed in 1999. Russini married Kevin Goldschmidt in 2020.
Semel recommended changes to The Athletic’s policies in his report, including that new hires meet with the standards editor during onboarding and that reporters disclose anonymous sources to the company.
Russini has not commented on the investigation’s findings.
Vrabel’s Patriots are scheduled to face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1 of the NFL season.