NYT probe into Dianna Russini still unfinished after photo scandal

An internal New York Times investigation into former Athletic NFL reporter Dianna Russini remains unfinished two months after Page Six published photographs showing her with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, and some staff are growing restless. Top editors have reiterated that a report is coming, but say it is still weeks away.

The episode began in early April when Page Six ran pictures of Russini holding hands with Vrabel. Russini resigned on April 14, denied an affair and said she stands behind every story she has published. Internal strife followed after Athletic top editor Steven Ginsberg initially defended Russini, calling the pictures misleading and lacking essential context, then saying additional information emerged and new questions were raised and pledging an inquiry.

Colleagues said the matter raised questions about impartiality and how the Athletic’s culture meshes with the Times; one insider called it embarassing for staff. Two months on, colleagues still lack answers.

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