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Page Six Photos of The Athletic’s Dianna Russini With Patriots Coach Mike Vrabel Prompt Denials of Impropriety

The episode underscores the scrutiny on journalist–source relationships in the NFL.

Overview

  • Page Six published exclusive images that show Dianna Russini and Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel holding hands and relaxing by the pool at the Ambiente resort in Sedona, Arizona.
  • Russini said the pictures do not reflect that they were with a group of six and described meeting sources away from stadiums as routine for NFL reporters.
  • Vrabel called the interaction completely innocent and said any other suggestion was laughable.
  • Steven Ginsberg, executive editor of The Athletic, said the photos were misleading and lacked key context.
  • No outlet has reported evidence beyond the photos and the parties’ quotes, and interest in the story stems from Russini’s high-profile role at The Athletic after eight years at ESPN.