Updated

Updated · NBC Sports · Sep 3

Mike Vrabel Shrugs Off Athletic Review of Dianna Russini Relationship, Focuses on Patriots Opener

Updated

Updated · NBC Sports · Sep 3

Mike Vrabel Shrugs Off Athletic Review of Dianna Russini Relationship, Focuses on Patriots Opener

Q: What exactly did Dianna Russini tell her editors during those crucial two days that ultimately destroyed their trust?

What damaged trust was not just the undisclosed relationship, but Russini’s account of it when the photos surfaced. The Athletic’s review says she waited two days after being confronted by the New York Post before alerting her editors and managers, and then gave an explanation that “did not align with facts.” The clearest publicly described elements of that explanation are these: when she finally notified executives on April 7, she acknowledged a close relationship with Mike Vrabel but insisted it was “strictly professional.” She also told them there would be no other problematic images because she had “never done anything inappropriate.” Around the same time, she and allies publicly framed the Sedona photos as misleading and lacking context, saying they did not reflect that she had been with a larger group. The Athletic’s standards report does not spell out every sentence she used over those two days. It does, however, make clear why editors say trust broke down: her explanation was treated as incomplete or inaccurate once additional information and more photos emerged. The publication’s executive editor initially defended her, then later told staff that “as additional information emerged, new questions were raised.” So the precise wording has not been fully disclosed, but the record shows Russini told editors the relationship was professional, denied inappropriate conduct, and offered a context for the photos that The Athletic later concluded did not match the facts.

3 articles · Updated · NBC Sports · Sep 3

Thursday’s review drew a terse response from Mike Vrabel, who said he had “no reaction” and was focused on Seattle, the Patriots and improving this week.
The Athletic’s internal probe found Dianna Russini’s relationship with Vrabel was “in clear violation” of its standards, after photos spanning multiple years exposed the relationship.
Investigator Mike Semel said he found no clear evidence Russini used her platform to promote Vrabel or his teams, though some favorable coverage appeared “awkward or even uncomfortable.”
The review follows a turbulent stretch for Vrabel, who missed the final day of the NFL draft while undergoing counseling after the photos became public.