The leaked hot tub photos were embarrassing, no question about it.
There was NFL reporter Dianna Russini of the â part of its sports unit The Athletic â getting quite cozy with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel.
Other shots obtained by the New York Posts Page Six showed the pair, who are both married, locked in an embrace on the roof of a private bungalow, and holding hands at a luxury hotel in .
More details in a moment, but the bottom line is a tale most foul, as familiar as civilization itself.
The woman takes the fall, and nothing happens to the guy.
Russini was forced to resign from the Times, and Vrabel, for now, has emerged unscathed.
This is not to suggest that Russini is some innocent victim. She is absolutely tone-deaf about the seriousness of what she has done. She covers ! That is, along with the leagues other teams. On what planet is this not out of bounds?
Plus, they werent exactly being discreet. Russini must have been aware that photos were being taken. Doesnt everyone know by now that pictures, especially of the salacious variety, always wind up on the interwebs?
And its a major embarrassment for the Times, which rushed to defend Russini when the story first broke.
The Athletic, which replaced the Times sports desk so subscribers could be charged an extra fee, and which does a very good job, dismissed the initial accounts.
Steven Ginsberg, The Athletics executive editor, backed Russini, telling the New York tabloid that he is “proud” of her. “These photos are misleading and lack essential context. These were public interactions in front of many people.”
But as Front Office Sports later reported, The Athletic decided to investigate Russinis account, and that the pictures had been shopped to TMZ and other outlets. ESPN confirmed that the Posts coverage had raised concerns that were being reviewed.
Vrabel, who led the Patriots to the and was named NFL Coach of the Year, could not have been more dismissive. “These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable,” he told the Post. “This doesnt deserve any further response.” And that was it.
But Russini has had plenty to say since she was allowed to resign. In a letter to Ginsberg on Tuesday, obtained by The AP, she does not offer a shred of regret:Â Â
“I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever publishedâ¦unfortunately, commentators in various media have engaged in self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from the facts.”
“Moreover, this media frenzy is hurtling forward without regard for the review process The Athletic is trying to complete. It continues to escalate, fueled by repeated leaks, and I have no interest in submitting to a public inquiry that has already caused far more damage than I am willing to accept.”Â
Russini said shes quitting before her contract expires on June 30 “because I refuse to lend it further oxygen or to let it define me or my career.”
Sadly, she still doesnt get it. Journalists are supposed to avoid even the appearance of a conflict.
Now some media outlets are asking the inevitable question.
NBC Sports asked: “Is there a double standard for Mike Vrabel, Dianna Russini?”
But reporter Mike Florio writes that Vrabel has a very different job . If the coach was leaking non-public information, he says as a hypothetical, that could be a problem.
And theres this vague catch-all in league rules for players: “Conduct that undermines or puts at risk the integrity of the NFL, NFL clubs or NFL personnel.”
The Boston Globe has also assailed a “double standard,” saying female journalists credibility is more easily challenged and male figures like coaches are less like
