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The Athletic Finds Standards Violations but Clears Russini’s Reporting

The outlet added editor’s notes after an internal review that revealed disclosure failures and exposed gaps in newsroom policy.

Overview

  • The Athletic published an internal review that concluded a personal relationship involving Dianna Russini violated its standards and added four editor’s notes to content that did not meet policy.
  • The review also found no clear evidence that Russini’s published reporting showed bias toward coach Mike Vrabel or the teams he coached.
  • Russini resigned from The Athletic after photos of her with Vrabel were published in April and has told the paper she stands by her past reporting.
  • Vrabel publicly acknowledged misconduct, sought counseling and remains the New England Patriots head coach as the team prepares to open the season.
  • Sources report Russini is in talks about returning to sports media and several broadcasters and podcasters have suggested additional reporting on the matter could surface soon.