The New York Times Company is reviewing the work of NFL reporter Dianna Russini after photographs of her with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel at an Arizona resort prompted internal concern, ESPN reported Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.
Russini reports for The Athletic, which is owned by The Times. According to a source cited in the report, she has been sidelined while the review is ongoing.
The issue centers on coverage involving Vrabel and the circumstances around the photos taken at the Sedona resort in Arizona. The report did not say what specific aspects of Russini’s coverage are under review, only that the company is examining the matter after the images surfaced.
Russini is a veteran NFL reporter, and the review has drawn attention because of her role covering one of the league’s most prominent teams. Vrabel, meanwhile, is the head coach of the Patriots, and the photographs have raised questions inside the company about the reporter’s coverage.
ESPN said the information came from people familiar with the situation. No further details were provided about how long the review may last or whether any additional action will be taken.
The Athletic has not publicly commented on the review, and the ESPN report did not include a statement from Russini or Vrabel. For now, the reporter remains sidelined as the company continues its internal examination.
