It appears Dianna Russini's employers have changed their tune.
Over the weekend, the NFL reporter's employer, The Athletic, which is owned by the New York Times, confirmed that she is under investigation after photos were published earlier in the week of her holding hands with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel.
Though she and the former football player have denied any wrongdoing, and The Athletic was initially quick to stand by their reporter, she has now been sidelined.
© Getty ImagesOn Saturday, the New York Times reported that The Athletic is investigating the conduct of Dianna, as well as the nature of her relationship with Mike and her reporting.
She will not be reporting on the NFL or otherwise while the investigation is underway.
PageSix was the first to publish the photos on Tuesday, April 7, which pictured Dianna and Mike on vacation in Arizona (with other reporters), in one instance holding hands, and in another laying side-by-side in pool loungers.
© Getty ImagesUpon the photos' release, Steven Ginsberg, executive editor of the Athletic, had said: "These photos are misleading and lack essential context. These were public interactions in front of many people. Dianna is a premier journalist covering the NFL and we're proud to have her at the Athletic."
Mike also refuted any salacious speculation about the photo, stating: "These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn't deserve any further response."
Dianna herself shared: "The photos don't represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day," adding: "Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues."
Mike has been married to his college sweetheart Jen Vrabel since 1999, and the couple are parents to two sons, Tyler, 25, and Carter, 24.
© Getty ImagesHe has been New England's head coach since 2025 (he played for the team from 2001 to 2008) after head coaching the Tennessee Titans for six years.
Dianna meanwhile is married to Kevin Goldschmidt, who is a vice president at Shake Shack. Prior to joining The Athletic in 2023, Dianna was an anchor at ESPN, and earlier for NBC News and Comcast.
