A review conducted by The Athletic has concluded that former reporter Dianna Russini's relationship with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel constituted a clear violation of the media entity's standards, primarily due to a failure to disclose the connection.

The report, authored by The Athletic's editorial director for standards and quality Mike Semel, did not definitively conclude whether the relationship was romantic or physical and if it influenced Russini's reporting. However, it stated that the company was "uncomfortable" with the undisclosed relationship.

"Russini’s relationship with Vrabel was in clear violation of The Athletic’s standards," the report reads. "Regardless of whether the relationship was romantic, it was a breach and should have been disclosed."

The review examined 903 of Russini's published stories and 204 podcast episodes, along with off-platform appearances. It also included interviews with approximately two dozen Athletic staffers who worked closely with Russini. The Athletic compared its coverage of Vrabel to that of other outlets.

Semel stated that he did not find a clear link to conclude that Russini used her platform to promote Vrabel or his teams. He noted, however, that some of Russini's reporting on Vrabel appeared "glowingly" in hindsight, which could be considered awkward.

The report identified one story by Russini that "likely would not have happened were it not for the connection between Russini and Vrabel."

According to a source familiar with the report, Russini did not speak with Semel for the review, nor was her phone available for inspection. The Athletic did not contact Vrabel for its report but did speak with Russini's friends and colleagues.

In April 2026, Russini reportedly contacted executives at The Athletic and The New York Times Company to inform them of an upcoming Page Six article detailing her relationship with Vrabel. At the time, she acknowledged a close relationship but asserted it was strictly professional. Page Six subsequently published photos of Russini and Vrabel together at a resort in Sedona, Arizona, showing them holding hands and embracing, as well as at a pool and hot tub.

The review also highlighted concerns about Russini's handling of the information release. Semel explained that "when first confronted with the photos by The New York Post," Russini waited two days before informing her editors and provided an explanation that "did not align with facts, raising issues of trust."

Vrabel has not faced professional discipline from the NFL or the Patriots. Russini resigned from The Athletic several months prior to the report's release and has since deleted her social media accounts. She has not publicly commented on the situation beyond her initial statements. ![Dianna Russini attending a screening event at The Paley Center for Media in New York City]( "Dianna Russini attends the "A Lifetime Of Sundays" screening at The Paley Center for Media in New York City on Sept. 18, 2019.")