re: Dianna Russini is stepping away from The Athletic (update)

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In the days leading up to and following the Post's report, Russini, Vrabel and executives from The Athletic, which is owned by the New York Times, scrambled to respond to an explosive story that raised questions about the relationship between one of the most high-profile reporters in the NFL and the coach of a flagship NFL franchise, according to interviews with a dozen people with knowledge of how the last week transpired, who spoke to ESPN on the condition of anonymity.

In addition to consulting with a crisis communicator, Russini appealed directly to the Times Company chief executive officer Meredith Kopit Levien to plead her case, according to five people with knowledge of the conversation. She also coordinated with Vrabel about how to respond to the Post, said a person with knowledge of the communication. Russini and Vrabel, who are both married to other people, told the Post that the photos didn't accurately reflect their interaction. The Athletic initially defended Russini publicly but subsequently faced internal outrage from employees, several Times and Athletic staffers told ESPN.

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Executives at The Athletic learned about the impending story from Russini on Tuesday afternoon, according to three people with knowledge of the timeline. Internally, Russini argued the photos were a sexist attack on a female reporter in a male-dominated field, the people said. She made the argument to her bosses at The Athletic and called Levien and said she had been traveling with friends, the people said. The Post, though, wanted to turn it into a scandal, she told people internally, according to the three people. Russini also offered to have her bosses speak to Vrabel, which the company declined, according to two people familiar with the offer.

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While The Athletic had been quick to rush to her defense ahead of the story, now executives asked for more evidence from Russini such as text messages about an airport pickup, screenshots of planning the trip or photos from a hike, the three people said. They said Russini never provided sufficient evidence. On Friday, April 10, ESPN reported that The Athletic had launched an investigation into her NFL coverage and the nature of her relationship with Vrabel, and a person familiar with the matter told ESPN that she would not be reporting during that process.

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