Dianna Russini violated newsroom standards over Mike Vrabel relationship, The Athletic says

Former Athletic reporter Dianna Russini's relationship with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel violated the outlet's newsroom standards, an internal investigation has found.

The Athletic published the findings on Thursday after a nearly five-month review of Russini's work.

"Russini's relationship with Vrabel was in clear violation of The Athletic's standards," editorial director Mike Semel wrote.

"Regardless of whether the relationship was romantic, it was a breach and should have been disclosed."

However, the investigation found no clear evidence that Russini used her reporting to favour Vrabel or his teams.

"I've not found a clear link to conclude that Russini used her platform to help promote Vrabel or help his teams during her time at The Athletic,” Semel wrote.

The review began after the New York Post published photographs of Russini and Vrabel together at an adults-only resort. Russini later resigned from The Athletic.

Semel reviewed 903 stories, 77 videos and 204 podcast episodes, along with other media appearances.

The report said no inaccuracies were found in Russini's reporting.

However, Semel said "the appearances surrounding her relationship with Vrabel undermines our audience's confidence in her impartiality."