The New York Times has removed top NFL reporter Dianna Russini after Page Six published a photo of her holding hands with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel.
We’re told the magazine is investigating the situation and “reviewing her reporting” and that Russini will not report to the magazine while the investigation is ongoing.
“The Athletic immediately began an investigation after Page Six reached out to Deanna for comment,” a person familiar with the situation told us on Friday.
“While the apparent conduct in the photo raised questions about[The Athletic’s editor-in-chief Stephen Ginsburg]and The Athletic’s leadership, initial investigation suggested a lack of context provided by the photo, particularly the presence of a larger group of friends,” the source added.
However, “new details from the Page Six report and information from the investigation raise further concerns and are currently being considered further. The investigation is ongoing.”
Russini is a “senior NFL insider” who now provides sports coverage for The Athletic, a once-independent site that was acquired by the Times.
Us reported on Tuesday that Russini, 43, and Vrabel, 50, were photographed at the luxury resort Ambiente in Sedona, Arizona, on Saturday, March 28.
Witnesses said the couple, both married to other people, had breakfast on the hotel restaurant patio and then lounged side by side in the hot tub.
That night, spies spotted Vrabel and Russini again at sunset on the private rooftop of the hotel’s bungalow, where they hugged and linked fingers at sunset. Spies said they were seen dancing briefly.
Sources close to Vrabel and Russini say the pair were at the popular romantic resort for honeymooners with four other friends who aren’t pictured in our photos.
However, three other witnesses said there were no other people with the two. When Pat’s coach asked if he had visited the hotel with friends, one witness said, “No, he was with a girl.” And a series of photos taken at various points that day show only Vrabel and Russini.
Before Page Six published the article, The Athletic’s Ginsburg said, “These photos are misleading and lack important context. These were public interactions in front of many people. Deanna is a premier journalist covering the NFL, and we are proud to have her at The Athletic.”
Currently, a source said, “The contents of her report are being reviewed. The process is expected to take some time. During this time, she will not be reporting.”
Vrabel, who took over as Pats coach in January 2025 and led the team to the Super Bowl that year, told Page Six on Tuesday: “These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This does not deserve any further response.”
And Russini said, “The photo does not represent a group of six people hanging out during the day. Like most NFL journalists, the reporter is interacting with sources away from the stadium and other venues.”
Russini married Shake Shack executive Kevin Goldschmidt in 2020 and they have two children.
Vrabel and his wife, Jen, met as student athletes at Ohio State University and reportedly celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in 2024. They have two sons, one of whom, Tyler, briefly played for the Atlanta Falcons.
At the time we published this article, Front Office Sports also reported that The Athletic had begun an investigation.
The Athletic declined to comment.
