Overview
- Russini, which resigned Tuesday, stepped down effective immediately before her June 30 contract end, posting a letter saying she would not fuel further speculation.
- The Athletic first called the photos misleading, then pulled her off coverage and opened an internal investigation as new questions emerged.
- Executive editor Steven Ginsberg told staff the outlet will keep a standards review of her work led by editorial standards chief Mike Semel.
- Page Six photos from a Sedona resort in late March showed Russini and Vrabel poolside, in a hot tub and with interlocked hands, which both called innocent and part of a larger group.
- Vrabel has denied impropriety and, as of Tuesday, neither the Patriots nor the NFL has announced discipline, underscoring the focus on newsroom ethics rather than league penalties.