OT? NY Times Dianna Rossini Article

[raduray]

This isn't the results of The Athletic's investigation, but rather an independent NYT report. Article starts out with an anecdote illustrating her abuse of her access to get out of a traffic ticket. Gift link below.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/24/nyregion/dianna-russini-mike-vrabel-athletic-new-york-times.html?unlocked_article_code=1.slA.NqYn.ximNl0rXiBTF&smid=url-share

 

[rkarp1]

yaaaaawn

 

[Clonamery]

This isn't the results of The Athletic's investigation, but rather an independent NYT report. Article starts out with an anecdote illustrating her abuse of her access to get out of a traffic ticket. Gift link below.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/24/nyregion/dianna-russini-mike-vrabel-athletic-new-york-times.html?unlocked_article_code=1.slA.NqYn.ximNl0rXiBTF&smid=url-share

NY Times owns The Athletic so not what I would call independent.

 

[sb1]

Coach fired yet or nah?

 

[TheRainMaker]

Coach fired yet or nah?

He's expected to step down any day now.

 

[raduray]

NY Times owns The Athletic so not what I would call independent.

If you'll read the article, you'll see that both the NYT and the Athletic management refused comment. Now, did they influence the coverage or did the newsroom exercise its independence? Don't know.

 

[JoeSixPat]

Issues related to Rossini's journalistic integrity really have nothing to do with Vrabel as coach

Heck if anything, he may have been getting inside info from her about other teams - which only helps the Pats (and potentially hinders other teams.)

I suppose Kraft could question whether she got intel from Vrabel but all coaches have sources that they rely on (including reporters) and similarly leak information and disinformation to them.

From a football perspective, I view their relationship as a side story - though I understand why the Athletic and NYT don't feel the same way. It puts Rossini in a tough place when it comes to her other NFL sources and they know it.

Aside from that, having been through my own trials and tribulations in a flawed marriage, I reserve all judgment between two consenting adults. Whether Belichick, Vrabel or any other past or assistant coaches have had affairs is just none of my business or anyone else's. Their private lives should remain private and best wishes to any of them in finding happiness in their personal relationships.

 

[borg]

He's expected to step down any day now.

He did consult with his "unofficial advisor" ?

 

[TommyD4207]

Coach fired yet or nah?

 

[tuckeverlasting]

Issues related to Rossini's journalistic integrity really have nothing to do with Vrabel as coach

Heck if anything, he may have been getting inside info from her about other teams - which only helps the Pats (and potentially hinders other teams.)

I suppose Kraft could question whether she got intel from Vrabel but all coaches have sources that they rely on (including reporters) and similarly leak information and disinformation to them.

From a football perspective, I view their relationship as a side story - though I understand why the Athletic and NYT don't feel the same way. It puts Rossini in a tough place when it comes to her other NFL sources and they know it.

Aside from that, having been through my own trials and tribulations in a flawed marriage, I reserve all judgment between two consenting adults. Whether Belichick, Vrabel or any other past or assistant coaches have had affairs is just none of my business or anyone else's. Their private lives should remain private and best wishes to any of them in finding happiness in their personal relationships.

he was just pumping her for info. i doubt very much he gave up any titans or pats intel.

 

[n1997y]

If you'll read the article, you'll see that both the NYT and the Athletic management refused comment. Now, did they influence the coverage or did the newsroom exercise its independence? Don't know.

Someone made the decision to assign reporters to write a story.

The organization employing that decision maker and those reporters was a major part of the story. That organization had employed and fired one of the two individuals at the center of the story. That organization then refused to comment for the story.

How could the story not be greatly influenced by that set of facts?

 

[TheRainMaker]

The article wasn't going anywhere even just perusing it. Realizing how long it was, I had to tap out. Don't the writers know we all have developed ADD?

 

[Pape]

The article wasn't going anywhere even just perusing it. Realizing how long it was, I had to tap out. Don't the writers know we all have developed ADD?

speak for yourse-....


Oh look, a thirsty baby Butterfly...

 

[JoeSixPat]

Someone made the decision to assign reporters to write a story.

The organization employing that decision maker and those reporters was a major part of the story. That organization had employed and fired one of the two individuals at the center of the story. That organization then refused to comment for the story.

How could the story not be greatly influenced by that set of facts?

Sure - and I understand why they fired her, out of concern for bias and journalistic integrity (and yes that still does matter for some outlets even in a day and age where corporate/political influences seek to control what you know)

I think the case that she helped push Julio Jones to the Titans or any other players is pretty flimsy to me... i.e. calling the Titans a long shot... Vrabel is a smart enough guy not to show his hand to a reporter even if he is sleeping with her

If anything, Vrabel used his relationship (even if it wasn't physical) with her to the Titans benefit - that type of thing is standard operating procedure in all realms to have sources in the media, telling them only what you want them (and others) to know, and not telling them the things you don't want people to know

The inference I assume is that Vrabel told her he was interested in Jones and instead of reporting that, she reported the opposite and wrote other things to get Atlanta to trade him. That's a pretty big assumption - but as long as Kraft feels like his head coach can keep things close to the vest, it's a nothing burger as far as Vrabel is concerned, and a "guilty until proven innocent" situation for Rossini - but it's no surprise that she got fired with that question hanging over her.

New York Times article on Dianna Russini glosses over key questions from the Julio Jones trade

There's a lot to digest in the lengthy New York Times article regarding former New York Times employee Dianna Russini.

www.nbcsports.com

 

[BUSTAMOVE]

Personally. Who gives a ****e
I disagree with a portion of the article. If Adam Schefter was in the hot tub with Vrabes then I would have raised an eyebrow.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

Personally. Who gives a ****e
I disagree with a portion of the article. If Adam Schefter was in the hot tub with Vrabes then I would have raised an eyebrow.

I don't care who is in the hot tub with Vrabel. Could not care less. Would never raise an eyebrow. Don't want to know anything about Vrab's sex life.

I suspect Vrabel can go in a hot tub and coach the Patriots. Doesn't seem too hard.

 

[BUSTAMOVE]

I don't care who is in the hot tub with Vrabel. Could not care less. Would never raise an eyebrow. Don't want to know anything about Vrab's sex life.

I suspect Vrabel can go in a hot tub and coach the Patriots. Doesn't seem too hard.

None of this drama ever mattered to me. But the drama mongers ate it up

 

[raduray]

Someone made the decision to assign reporters to write a story.

The organization employing that decision maker and those reporters was a major part of the story. That organization had employed and fired one of the two individuals at the center of the story. That organization then refused to comment for the story.

How could the story not be greatly influenced by that set of facts?

Could be an opportunity for the newsroom to demonstrate its independence.