Russini forced out while Vrabel emerges unscathed from photo scandal

The leaked hot tub photos were embarrassing, there’s no doubt about that.

NFL reporter Dianna Russini, who is part of The Athletic, the sports unit of the New York Times, was getting pretty close to New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel.

Other shots obtained Page Six of the New York Post It showed the couple, who are both married, cuddling on the rooftop of a private bungalow and holding hands at a luxury hotel in Sedona, Ariz.

More on that in a moment, but ultimately it’s a very disgusting story, as familiar as civilization itself.

DIANNA RUSsini RESIGNED FROM ATHLETICS AFTER MIKE VRABEL CONVERSATION

The woman takes the blame and nothing happens to the man.

Russini was forced to resign from the Times, and Vrabel emerged unscathed for now.

This does not mean that Russini was an innocent victim. He is absolutely tone deaf to the seriousness of what he is doing. He’s protecting the patriots! That is, together with the other teams of the league. On what planet is this not off limits?

PATRIOTS’ MIKE VRABEL WAS NOT EXPECTED AT THE TEAM’S PRE-DRAFT PRESS CONFERENCE

Besides, they weren’t being very cautious. Russini must have been aware that photographs were being taken. Now doesn’t everyone know that pictures, especially of the sexually explicit variety, are always on the interwebs?

And this is a huge embarrassment for the Times, which rushed to defend Russini when the story first broke.

The Athletic, which had done a very good job of replacing the Times sports desk so subscribers could be charged extra, rejected the initial accounts.

“I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published,” Russini said. “Unfortunately, commentators in various media have engaged in self-fulfilling speculation that is completely disconnected from reality.” (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

Steven Ginsberg, editor-in-chief of The Athletic, told the New York tabloid he was “proud” of supporting Russini. “These photos are misleading and lack essential context. These were public interactions that took place in front of many people.”
But as Front Office Sports later reported, The Athletic decided to investigate Russini’s account and discovered the photos were being sold on TMZ and other outlets. ESPN confirmed that the Post’s reporting raises concerns that are being investigated.

Vrabel, who led the Patriots to the Super Bowl and was named NFL Coach of the Year, could not have been more dismissive. “These photos show a completely innocent interaction, and any suggestion other than that is laughable,” he told the Post. “This deserves no further response.” And that’s it.

But Russini had plenty to say since he was allowed to resign. In a letter sent to Ginsberg on Tuesday and obtained by the AP, Ginsberg expresses not the slightest regret:

“I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand by every story I have ever published…unfortunately, commentators in various media have engaged in self-fulfilling speculation that is completely disconnected from the facts.”

“Furthermore, this media frenzy is accelerating without taking into account the review process that Athletic is trying to complete. It continues to escalate, fueled by successive leaks, and I have no interest in resorting to a public inquiry that is already causing far more damage than I am prepared to accept.”

Russini said he will quit before his contract expires on June 30 “because I refuse to give it any more oxygen or let it define me or my career.”

Unfortunately he still can’t understand this. Journalists need to avoid even the appearance of conflict.

Now some media outlets are asking the inevitable question.

NBC Sports asked: “Is there a double standard for Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini?”

But Vrabel has a very different job in Massachusetts, writes reporter Mike Florio. Coach says that could be a problem if he were hypothetically leaking non-public information.

SUPER BOWL CHAMPION DEFENDS NEW YORK TIMES REPORTER MIKE VRABEL OVER LEAKED PHOTOS

Vrabel has escaped this situation unscathed so far. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

And there’s a vague generalization in league rules for players: “Conduct that impairs or compromises the integrity of the NFL, NFL clubs, or NFL personnel.”

The Boston Globe also attacked the “double standards,” saying the credibility of female journalists is more easily questioned and male figures such as coaches face less consequences.

Globe columnist Chad Finn says that “responsibility has fallen unevenly.”

Veteran sportswriter Jeff Pearlman said in a TikTok video that if he had a private meeting with Mike Vrabel, there wouldn’t be any headlines even if they jumped in the hot tub, but when there’s a female reporter, it’s national news.

“It’s unfair but it’s a reality for female reporters, it’s unfair but they really need to be careful when writing about a particular man… It’s a very painful double standard.”

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Look, I get it. Journalists are held to a higher ethical bar. Female journalists, in particular, are held to a higher ethical standard, according to sources. Especially if the source is a powerful man. Especially if this guy took his team to the Super Bowl.

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But no one looks good here; Not the Times, not Dianna Russini, not the Patriots, not the National Football League, not his Coach.
Year.