It took much longer than expected. In the end, it didn’t say much (if anything) that was unexpected.
The Athletic has posted its internal review of former NFL Insider Dianna Russini’s reporting, following her resignation in the wake of the revelation of her relationship with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel.
“Russini’s relationship with Vrabel was in clear violation of The Athletic’s standards,” writes Mike Semel, who conducted the probe. “Regardless of whether the relationship was romantic, it was a breach and should have been disclosed.”
Semel cites the standard The Athletic believes Russini violated: “When reporting and writing stories we do not have an agenda and it is important that our readers understand that. If our readers question our adherence to that basic tenet of journalism, our credibility will be at stake. To maintain the highest form of authority we should avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest and reveal those sources or affiliations that may put into question our ability to be credible.”
Complicating the problem for Russini was the company’s conclusion that she did not handle the situation in an ideal manner, once the first images of Russini with Vrabel at a resort in Arizona were published.
“[W]hen first confronted with the photos by The New York Post,” Semel explains, “Russini waited two days before telling her editors and managers. She then told a story to explain the photos that did not align with facts, raising issues of trust.”
Semel nevertheless found few irregularities or issues that will require the attachment of an editor’s note: (1) a video regarding a 2025 training-camp fight in which Vrabel “comes out as somewhat heroic” for his role in breaking it up; and (2) a blurb in a column regarding the Titans’ decision to go for two in a specific game.
As to the accuracy of her reporting on matters involving Vrabel, Semel cited this quote from Russini in 2023, before the Titans fired Vrabel: “Angry Tennessee Titans fans can stop hoping owner Amy Adams Strunk fires Vrabel. It’s not happening. Based on multiple conversations with high-ranking Titans officials, the franchise strongly and collectively believes it has the right coach for long-term success.”
The report apparently concludes all matters between The Athletic and Russini. And it likewise concludes the story — unless and until Russini tells her version of it.
If she hopes to make the biggest splash and cause the most potential chaos, Tuesday, September 8 (the night before the Patriots-Seahawks regular-season opener), continues to be the ideal date for her next move.