Dianna Russini knew of Mike Vrabel photos days before she informed NYT bosses
USA Today • • sports
Key Points:
- The New York Times revealed that the New York Post contacted ex-NFL insider Dianna Russini in person two days before publishing photos of her with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, which led to a major controversy.
- Russini delayed informing her bosses at The Athletic, eventually resigning a week after the photos were published amid an internal investigation into her past reporting.
- Russini first contacted New York Times Company CEO Meredith Popit Levien rather than her immediate supervisors, and The Athletic's executive editor Steven Ginsberg expressed support, noting the photos lacked essential context.
- The Times spokeswoman stated that additional photos published raised new questions about Russini’s conduct, contributing to the fallout.
- Russini, who earned about $800,000 annually, described herself as a "former journalist" and acknowledged the significant personal and professional impact of the situation; both Russini and Vrabel are married to other people.
