Latest photos of Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini put her ESPN reporting in spotlight

TL;DR

Photos of Patriots coach Mike Vrabel with reporter Dianna Russini at an adults-only resort have raised scrutiny over her reporting. ESPN is currently not commenting on whether they will review her work following her resignation from The Athletic.

Key points

Photos of Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini were published by the New York Post.
The photos were taken at an adults-only resort in Sedona, Arizona.
Russini's reporting is under review by ESPN following her resignation from The Athletic.

Mentioned in this story

Mike VrabelDianna Russini

Julio JonesAtlanta Falcons

The first set of photos from the New York Post showing Patriots coach Mike Vrabel and NFL reporter Dianna Russini at an adults-only resort in Sedona, Arizona was taken while Russini worked for The Athletic. The Athletic is now reviewing her reporting, after her resignation.

The latest set of photos from the New York Post was taken while she worked for ESPN. The question now becomes whether ESPN will be reviewing her reporting.

ESPN has declined comment in response to an email inquiry from PFT.

Here's an example of reporting that could be scrutinized, regarding a situation that developed after March 2020, when the photos published earlier today were taken.

In May 2021, Russini reported that the Falcons "have discussed several offers for wide receiver Julio Jones, including an offer of a future first-round draft pick." The report, under a headline that proclaimed "Atlanta Falcons have offer of a 1st-round pick for Julio Jones, sources say" created a clear impression that the Falcons had an offer in hand of a first-round pick for Jones.

Her report also downplayed the Titans' chances of landing Jones, calling them a "long shot." (At the time, Vrabel served as head coach of the Titans.)

Ultimately, the Titans acquired Jones and a 2023 sixth-round pick for a 2022 second-round pick and a 2023 fourth-round pick.

So how did the reporting potentially help the Titans? Putting out the word that the Falcons had been offered a first-round pick could have had a chilling effect on any team that may have been considering offering a second-round pick. Calling the Titans a "long shot" allowed them to maneuver quietly for Jones.

Given the relationship between Vrabel and Russini, it's not crazy or reckless to wonder whether her reporting was directly or indirectly connected to the effort to help the Titans get Jones on the best possible terms. Which, of course, will bolster suspicions by Eagles fans that she had been working more recently with Vrabel to get Eagles receiver on the best possible terms.

Q&A

What prompted the review of Dianna Russini's reporting at ESPN?

The review was prompted by the publication of photos showing her with Mike Vrabel at a resort, raising questions about her professional conduct.

When were the photos of Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini taken?

The photos were taken in March 2020 while Dianna Russini was working for ESPN.

What was the content of Dianna Russini's controversial report regarding Julio Jones?

Russini reported that the Falcons had discussed offers for Julio Jones, including one for a future first-round draft pick, which suggested they had a concrete offer.