Steven Ginsberg, the executive editor at The Athletic, has finally addressed the Dianna Russini-Mike Vrabel controversy with staff, according to a report by Front Office Sports. Ginsberg has been under fire since the New York Post published suggestive photos of Russini, an NFL insider, and the New England Patriots head coach holding hands and hanging poolside at an adults-only resort in Arizona earlier this month.
Background of the Scandal
Although Ginsberg initially defended Russini and her reporting to the Post, she was later placed on leave by the Times amid an investigation into her work before ultimately resigning from The Athletic. Russini’s contract was set to expire in the coming weeks according to multiple reports and she has denied any wrongdoing, while standing by her reporting of Vrabel. However, her pleas of innocence came under suspicion last week when the Post published six-year-old photos of Vrabel and Russini kissing at a New York bar.
Ginsberg's Admission
Now, with Russini’s credibility as a reporter under the microscope, Ginsberg has admitted that The Athletic’s communication on the controversy could have been clearer, according to FOS. He also mentioned the investigation into Russini’s reporting that was previously reported by The Daily Mail and other outlets. That investigation will be led by standards and editorial quality editor Mike Semel and it is expected to be lengthy, according to FOS.
Ginsberg did not take questions after addressing staff and an Athletic spokesperson declined to comment to FOS. The Daily Mail has sought comment from The New York Times.
