NY Times Reporter Dianna Russini Under Investigation After Photos With Mike Vrabel

The New York Times has sidelined top NFL reporter Dianna Russini following an internal investigation into photographs that appear to show her in an intimate setting with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel.

Russini, who serves as the senior NFL insider for The Athletic—a sports news site acquired by the New York Times—has been placed on leave while the company reviews her conduct and professional coverage.

Details of the Arizona Incident

The controversy stems from photographs published by Page Six showing Russini, 43, and Vrabel, 50, at the adults-only Ambiente resort in Sedona, Arizona, on March 28, 2026.

The images reportedly show the pair hugging and holding hands on the roof of a resort bungalow. An eyewitness further alleged that the two, both of whom are married to other people, shared breakfast on a hotel restaurant patio and lounged together in a hot tub.

According to reports from Front Office Sports, the images were brought to light after an anonymous tipster contacted the outlet claiming Vrabel was spending time with an unidentified woman. Staffers at TMZ later identified the woman as Russini.

Internal Response and Investigation

The Athletic executive editor Steven Ginsberg initially defended the reporter on April 7, 2026, stating that the photos were misleading and lack essential context and that the interactions occurred in public in front of many people.

However, the publication launched an investigation immediately after Page Six reached out for comment on Tuesday, April 8, 2026. While an initial review suggested the images lacked context—specifically the presence of a larger group of friends—subsequent details and information from the probe raised additional concerns.

New details from the Page Six report and information from the investigation raised additional concerns that are now being reviewed further. The investigation is ongoing.

Source familiar with the situation

As a result of the ongoing probe, Russini will not be reporting for the outlet in the interim. The New York Times is also reviewing her professional coverage, a process that is expected to take time.

Statements from Russini and Vrabel

Both Russini and Vrabel have denied any romantic involvement, maintaining that their relationship is platonic.

Vrabel described the photos as showing a completely innocent interaction and called any suggestion to the contrary laughable.

Russini argued that the photographs did not represent the full group of six people who were gathering during the day. She further noted that it is common for NFL reporters to interact with their sources outside of stadiums and other official venues.

The New York Times has declined to comment on the matter.