‘New York Times’ Reporter Dianna Russini Investigated For Photos Of Her Holding Hands With Patriots Coach Mike Vrabel

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by Matthew MendivesApril 14, 2026, 1:08 am >

The New York Times, the owner of The Athletic, is investigating its reporter, Dianna Russini, after she was seen with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel.

The photos were originally posted by Page Six on April 7. The Times launched its investigation on April 11. Russini will be away from The Athletic during the investigation.

The Athletic originally defended Russini.

“These photos are misleading and lack essential context,” Steven Ginsberg, executive editor of The Athletic, said in a statement. “These were public interactions in front of many people. Dianna is a premier journalist covering the NFL, and we’re proud to have her at The Athletic.”

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The photos showed Vrabel and Russini together at the Ambiente Sedona hotel in Arizona. The two were seen holding hands and hugging. Vrabel defended his actions in an interview with the New York Post.

“These photos show a completely innocent interaction, and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn’t deserve any further response,” Vrabel said.

Russini also defended her actions. She told the New York Post that they were at the hotel with a group of six people. She said that it’s commonplace for reporters and sources to interact during the offseason.

Both Vrabel and Russini are married with children. According to The New York Times’ code of conduct for journalists, activities that can create conflicts of interest must be avoided.

Vrabel will be entering his second season as the Patriots’ head coach. Last season, he led them to their first Super Bowl appearance since they had Tom Brady.

Meanwhile, Russini will be entering her 15th year as a reporter. She was hired by WNBC as a reporter in 2011. In 2023, she left ESPN to join The Athletic.

Vrabel is expected to be at the NFL Draft on April 23.