The Athletic, a digital sports publication owned by the New York Times, recently found that its former NFL reporter, Dianna Russini, wrote about coach Mike Vrabel in a way that some found "awkward" and "uncomfortable." The findings were based on a relationship between Russini and Vrabel that she should have disclosed, according to a report released Thursday. The investigation was led by Mike Semel, The Athletic’s editorial director for standards and quality, who reviewed a large body of Russini’s work. Semel stated that there was no "clear" evidence that Russini, who resigned in April after photos of her with Vrabel at a hotel in Arizona sparked controversy, had improperly promoted Vrabel’s professional interests. However, he noted that some of her writing about Vrabel was overly positive and could be seen as inappropriate in hindsight. Semel examined 903 articles and 77 videos written or co-written by Russini, as well as 204 episodes of a podcast she co-hosted. He also reviewed her 25 off-platform appearances and interviewed 14 current or former employees of The Athletic. Semel emphasized that Russini's relationship with Vrabel, regardless of whether it was romantic, violated The Athletic’s ethical standards. He said the relationship should have been disclosed, as it could have influenced her reporting. Semel pointed to a 2023 article in which Russini wrote that Vrabel, then the coach of the Tennessee Titans, would not be fired. She cited conversations with high-ranking Titans officials, stating the team believed Vrabel was the right coach for long-term success. Vrabel was fired two months later. Despite the controversy, Vrabel has since returned to coaching and led the New England Patriots to a dramatic turnaround in 2025. Under his leadership, the team improved from a 4-13 record in the previous two seasons to a 14-3 record, earning the AFC title and making Vrabel the 2025 NFL Coach of the Year.