An internal review of Dianna Russini’s work by The Athletic published on Thursday found that the former star NFL reporter’s relationship with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel “was in clear violation” of the outlet’s standards. However, the review found “no inaccuracies from Russini in any story involving Vrabel or his teams.”
The nearly five-month review, published by Mike Semel, The Athletic’s editorial director for standards and quality, found that Russini was “noncompliant” with the publication’s standards, which require disclosure of “sources or affiliations that may put into question our ability to be credible.”
“Regardless of whether the relationship was romantic, it was a breach and should have been disclosed,” Semel wrote.
Russini did not respond to CNN’s request for comment. However, she told The Athletic: “I stand by any and all reporting I’ve ever done in my career.” The Athletic pointed to the report as its statement on the matter.
Russini resigned from The Athletic in April, one week after Page Six published photos of her with Vrabel from March 28 that showed the pair holding hands, embracing and spending time in a pool together at a boutique resort in Sedona, Arizona.
