Report: Dianna Russini 'sidelined' amid investigation by New York Times regarding Mike Vrabel hotel photos

The controversy surrounding The Athletic NFL insider Dianna Russini and New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel is not going away quietly. According to the New York Post on Friday, Russini will not be doing any reporting for The Athletic while the New York Times (which owns the outlet) further investigates the situation and is "reviewing her coverage."

Dianna Russini not reporting during The Athletic investigation 

This report comes just days after the outlet had previously issued a statement supporting Russini after photos surfaced of her and the Patriots head coach together holding hands and hugging.

According to the Post, new details and "information from the investigation raised additional concerns that are now being reviewed further." 

As long as the review is taking place, Russini is considered "sidelined" and will not be reporting.

When the photos first surfaced last week, Russini and Vrabel both released statements denying any wrongdoing, while also making sure to point out there was a large group of people around and that they were all very public interactions. 

The photos have produced a wide array of opinions and criticisms, including from former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason who argued that the perceived conflict-of-interest angle could make it difficult for Russini.

Vrabel just completed his first season as the Patriots head coach, taking the team to the Super Bowl. 

Russini has been The Athletic's top NFL insider since 2023 after previously working for ESPN.