The Athletic’s internal review of Dianna Russini is now over. Investigator Mike Semel found a clear conflict-of-interest violation. The investigation continued following Russini’s resignation in April. he investigation began after photos of her with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel surfaced.
What We Know: According to the final report, Russini told Athletic executives on April 7 about an incoming Page Six story. The Athletic launched an internal investigation while publicly supporting her. She resigned on April 14, ending the personal-conduct probe but not the review of her journalism. Investigators then examined 903 stories, 77 videos and 204 podcast episodes tied to her byline.
What They Said: (All quotes via Mike Semel, Editorial Director The Athletic): (FULL REPORT FOUND HERE)
Mike Semel: “The Athletic publicly supported Russini as it began an internal investigation of the allegations. During that investigation, Russini resigned from The Athletic and was released from her contract on April 14, 2026. The Athletic ended its investigation into Russini’s personal conduct on that day because she was no longer employed by the company, but continued its investigation into her journalism because nothing is more important to The Athletic than its credibility and reader trust.”
Mike Semel: “Russini’s relationship with Vrabel was in clear violation of The Athletic’s standards. Regardless of whether the relationship was romantic, it was a breach and should have been disclosed. Specifically, when it comes to The Athletic’s standards, Russini was noncompliant.”
Mike Semel: “The photographs published by Page Six on April 7 and April 23 and by TMZ on April 23 indicate a relationship that puts The Athletic’s credibility in jeopardy and gives the appearance of a conflict of interest. It also is a basic tenet of journalism to preserve detachment from the people we cover. We neither completed an investigation nor reached any conclusion about the nature of the full relationship between Vrabel and Russini, but the totality of the public photographs are enough to conclude a violation of company policy.
Additionally, when first confronted with the photos by The New York Post, Russini waited two days before telling her editors and managers. She then told a story to explain the photos that did not align with facts, raising issues of trust. We launched this probe to assess whether her work for The Athletic was accurate and unbiased. Plus, that her access to Vrabel did not unduly affect The Athletic’s journalism.”
Mike Semel: “Russini should have disclosed to The Athletic the nature of her relationship with Vrabel to allow editors to assess the kinds of stories on which she should have been working, if any. She did not.”
What Remains Unclear: The report reached no conclusion about whether the relationship was romantic. Additionally, it did not fully explain why Russini waited two days to inform editors. Whether The Athletic will adopt the recommended sourcing and disclosure reforms remains unknown.
What It Means: The findings show appearance alone can breach journalistic standards, regardless of intent. Meanwhile, the report clears most of her portfolio, finding only isolated lapses. Ultimately, The Athletic plans tighter conflict-of-interest and sourcing rules going forward.
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