A major sports media outlet is now conducting an internal review of one of its top NFL reporters. The Athletic, the sports vertical of The New York Times, has launched an investigation into senior insider Dianna Russini following the publication of photos showing her with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel.

The images, first published by Page Six, depict Russini and Vrabel—both of whom are married to other people—hugging and holding hands at a luxury hotel in Sedona, Arizona. According to the report, the two were seen having breakfast, spending time at the pool and hot tub, and on the roof of a private bungalow while in town for an NFL Competition Committee meeting.

This investigation marks a significant shift from The Athletic's initial public defense of its reporter. Shortly after the photos surfaced, executive editor Steven Ginsberg called them "misleading" and stated the interactions were public and in front of many people. Both Russini and Vrabel have maintained the encounters were innocent, with Russini noting a larger group was present and Vrabel calling any suggestion of impropriety "laughable." However, no photos supporting the claim of a group setting have emerged.

Russini, who joined The Athletic from ESPN in 2023, has a professional history with Vrabel, having covered his tenure as head coach of the Tennessee Titans. The ongoing review by her employer puts a spotlight on the complex boundaries between journalists and the high-profile coaches and executives they cover in the competitive world of the NFL.