Athletic probe into Dianna Russini and Patriots coach stalls

An internal investigation into the conduct of former NFL reporter Dianna Russini remains unresolved more than two months after it began, prolonging a controversy that has entangled the New England Patriots organization and sparked debate over media ethics. The review, initiated by The Athletic and its parent company, The New York Times, was launched in early April after photographs surfaced showing Russini and Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel together at an adults-only resort in Arizona.

The images, published on April 7, showed the two holding hands and quickly sparked widespread speculation about an inappropriate relationship, as both are married. Russini, who was a top NFL insider for The Athletic, resigned on April 14. In her resignation statement, she denied having an affair and said she stands behind every story she has ever published. Initially, The Athletic's executive editor, Steven Ginsberg, publicly defended Russini, calling the photos misleading. Days later, he announced that additional information had emerged, prompting a formal internal inquiry.

That investigation is still ongoing, with Ginsberg telling staff at a recent all-hands meeting that a report is still weeks...