NFL insider Dianna Russini could be in some hot water after photos leaked online of a getaway with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. Russini and Vrabel appeared to be holding hands and hugging in the photos, which were published by Page Six.
According to new reports, The Athletic is conducting an internal investigation into Russini, and she has been sidelined for the time being.
Vrabel and Russini, who are both married, claim that they are simply friends and that the interaction was not romantic. They also claim that there was a larger group of friends present at the gathering, which was not represented in the photos.
“After Page Six reached out to Dianna for comment on Tuesday, the Athletic immediately began an investigation,” a source reportedly told the publication.
“While the apparent conduct in the photos raised questions for [the Athletic executive editor Steven Ginsberg] and leadership at the Athletic, an initial review suggested the images provided lacked context, specifically the presence of a larger group of friends. Her coverage is being reviewed. That process is expected to take time. She will not be reporting in the interim.”
Front Office Sports also confirmed the investigation.
“An anonymous tipster reached out to the outlet, saying that Vrabel was hanging out with an unidentified woman,” Front Office Sports states. “When TMZ staffers evaluated the photos, they eventually realized that it was Russini. The anonymous tipster was not from a known paparazzi or photo agency, and requested an unspecified sum in the ‘four figures.’ As TMZ’s newsroom deliberated whether this was a legitimate story or too ‘bedroom police-y,’ the Post’s Page Six vertical ran with it, rendering the debate moot, a source said.”
It will be interesting to see what comes from the investigation, as Russini continues to face backlash and skepticism about her reporting online since the photo leak.
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