The Dianna Russini situation is getting even messier on Monday.
The Athletic is now investigating the situation involving Russini and New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. Russini and Vrabel were spotted being very friendly at an Arizona resort prior to the NFL's offseason meetings in Phoenix. Russini and Vrabel, who are both married, denied the understandable speculation surrounding the photos. The Athletic's boss, editor Steven Ginsberg, stood by his reporter - initially, anyway.
“These photos are misleading and lack essential context,” he said initially. “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.”
However, there is now an investigation, and those who work with Russini at The Athletic and the New York Times are reportedly not happy.
© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Several people who work at The Athletic and the New York Times have criticized the handling of the Russini situation. Many wonder why the editor of the outlet would come to such a quick defense of his reporter without an investigation.
According to Status’s Natalie Korach, staffers at the paper and digital outlet believe the handling of this was very messy.
One staffer called Ginsberg's statement “reckless” and “premature.” Another reportedly called it “intentionally sneaky,” given that an investigation had already begun.
The Athletic is reportedly pressing Russini for 'proof'
Russini said that the photos published by Page Six lacked context. She said that she wasn't just at the resort with Vrabel. Instead, they were there with a group of about six friends.
However, there are no public photos of the friend group. Instead, it's just photos of Russini and Vrabel.
Russini remains under investigation at The Athletic and will not be reporting anything until the investigation concludes.
