The Athletic says one of its star NFL reporters crossed a line—but it still can't say exactly how far. Ken Belson and Katherine Rosman report in the New York Times, which owns the Athletic, that an internal review found Dianna Russini's relationship with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel was a "clear violation" of the outlet's ethics rules because it created at least the appearance of a conflict of interest and was not disclosed. Investigators could not definitively characterize "the nature of their full relationship," but concluded the photos of the pair together—first splashed by the New York Post in April—were enough to breach policy. "Regardless of whether the relationship was romantic," the report reads, "it was a breach and should have been disclosed."
Russini, who resigned a week after the images surfaced, had told editors the relationship was "close" but "strictly professional." Vrabel continues in his position as head coach of the Patriots. The review combed through 903 articles, 77 videos, 204 podcast episodes, and more, finding no factual errors in her coverage of Vrabel or his teams but flagging some work as overly flattering and recommending retroactive editor's notes on one column and three videos. The Athletic report also urges tighter oversight of reporters' source relationships going forward. For the full findings and context, read the report at the Athletic.
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