Overview
- The Athletic published Mike Semel’s report on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, concluding Russini failed to disclose a close relationship with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel and that the relationship “was in clear violation” of the company’s standards.
- Semel reviewed 903 written stories, 204 podcast episodes, 77 videos and 25 external appearances and interviewed 14 colleagues to assess whether Russini’s work was affected by the relationship.
- The report found no factual inaccuracies in Russini’s Vrabel-related reporting and no clear evidence she used her platform to promote Vrabel or his teams, while noting only about 5% of her work mentioned him.
- Semel said Russini waited two days to tell editors after the first tabloid photos surfaced and offered an explanation that did not align with facts, which the review said eroded trust.
- The Athletic added editor’s notes to select pieces and recommended clearer, stricter conflict-of-interest and sourcing rules and an onboarding meeting with the standards editor, while Russini has resigned and says she stands by her reporting.