The NFL and The Athletic are facing more questions about the investigation into Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini.
Vrabel and Russini were caught at an adults-only resort in Arizona prior to the NFL owner meetings earlier this year. While Vrabel and Russini initially denied any scandalous behavior, more photos and videos of past meetups leaked through TMZ Sports and the New York Post. Russini ultimately resigned from her position at The Athletic and Vrabel announced that he was undergoing counseling.
The Athletic is still investigating Russini’s conduct as an NFL insider for the outlet. Russini previously worked for ESPN and on local TV in Washington, D.C. She’s been out of the media spotlight since, though, saying that she’s a “former journalist.”
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But, as The Athletic is investigating Russini’s workplace conduct and reporting, the outlet is considering a grander partnership with the NFL.
“NFL Media and The Athletic have had talks about expanding their relationship, including the idea of content from the New York Times—owned sports outlet running on the league’s digital platforms, sources told Front Office Sports,” the outlet reported.
“It is unclear how far the talks have progressed, but landing spots for Athletic content could include NFL.com and the NFL+ app. Spokespeople for The Athletic and NFL Media declined to comment.”
NFL, The Athletic face questions over partnership
It’s interesting timing, to say the least, considering that the Russini investigation is ongoing.
“So, The Athletic is presumably in the throes of this conflict of interest investigation of a former reporter with an NFL coach while at the same time engaging in talks to enter into a conflict of interest situation with the NFL. Got it,” Outkick’s Armando Salguero wrote on Monday.
“That raises a sizeable inconsistency. The Athletic is presumably investigating Russini for possibly engaging in a questionable relationship with an NFL coach at a time it is weighing whether to get in bed with the NFL.’
The Athletic has said that it would release the findings of its investigation into Russini this summer, but so far, nothing has been made public.
