Just in: NFL Reporter Dianna Russini Under Investigation After Being Seen Holding Hands with Patriots Coach Mike Vrabel…see more

NFL reporter Dianna Russini is under investigation by her employer after photos were published of her holding hands with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel at a luxury resort in Arizona.

According to the source, The Athletic is looking into “the nature of Ms. Russini’s relationship with Mr. Vrabel,” as well as her coverage. She will not be reporting while the investigation is underway, the outlet said.

The Times reported that The Athletic’s editorial guidelines require journalists to avoid activities that pose a conflict of interest, or the “appearance of a conflict,” so that their credibility is not questioned.

Russini, who joined The Athletic in 2023 and formerly worked as an NFL analyst at ESPN, also spoke out about the published pictures.

“The photos don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day,” she told the Post. “Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues.”

“These photos are misleading and lack essential context,” Steven Ginsberg, executive editor of The Athletic, said in a statement.

“These were public interactions in front of many people. Dianna is a premier journalist covering the NFL, and we’re proud to have her at The Athletic.”