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The leaked hot tub photos were embarrassing, no doubt about it.
There was NFL reporter Dianna Russini of the New York Times, part of her sports unit The Athletic, getting pretty cozy with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel.
Other shots obtained by the New York Post's Page Six showed the couple, both married, embracing on the roof of a private bungalow and holding hands at a luxury hotel in Sedona, Arizona.
More details in a moment, but the conclusion is a most disgusting story, as familiar as civilization itself.
DIANNA RUSSINI RESIGNS FROM ATHLETIC AMID THE MIKE VRABEL CONTROVERSY
New York Times NFL reporter Dianna Russini was forced to resign from her position after photos surfaced of her with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel. (Fox News Photo/Joshua Comins)
The woman takes the blame and nothing happens to the boy.
Russini was forced to resign from the Times and Vrabel, for now, has emerged unscathed.
This is not to say that Russini is an innocent victim. She is absolutely tone deaf about the seriousness of what she has done. She covers the Patriots! That is, along with the other teams in the league. On what planet is this not prohibited?
PATRIOTS' MIKE VRABEL WAS NEVER EXPECTED AT THE TEAM'S PRE-DRAFT PRESS CONFERENCE
Plus, they weren't exactly being discreet. Russini must have been aware that photographs were being taken. Doesn't everyone know that images, especially the most lewd ones, always end up on the Internet?
And it's a huge shame for the Times, which was quick to defend Russini when the story first broke.
The Athletic, which replaced the Times sports section in order to charge an extra fee to subscribers, and which does a very good job, rejected the initial accounts.
“I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand by every story I have published,” Russini said. “Unfortunately, commentators in various media outlets have engaged in self-fueled speculation that is simply not tied to the facts.” (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
Steven Ginsberg, executive editor of The Athletic, endorsed 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 Russini's account and discovered that the photos had been sold to TMZ and other outlets. ESPN confirmed that the Post's coverage had raised concerns that were being reviewed.
Vrabel, who led the Patriots to the Super Bowl and was named NFL Coach of the Year, couldn't have been more dismissive. “These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is ridiculous,” he told the Post. “This deserves no further response.” And that was it.
But Russini has had a lot to say since he was allowed to resign. In a letter to Ginsberg on Tuesday, obtained by the AP, she offers not even the slightest regret:
“I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have published…unfortunately, commentators at various outlets have engaged in self-feeding speculation that is simply not tied to the facts.”
“Furthermore, this media frenzy is proceeding without regard to the review process The Athletic is attempting to complete. It continues to escalate, fueled by repeated leaks, and I have no interest in subjecting myself to a public investigation that has already caused far more damage than I am willing to accept.”
Russini said he will resign before his contract expires on June 30 “because I refuse to give him any more oxygen or let him define me or my career.”
Unfortunately, she still doesn't understand it. Journalists are supposed 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 journalist Mike Florio writes that Vrabel has a very different job in Massachusetts. If the coach had leaked non-public information, he hypothesizes, that could be a problem.
SUPER BOWL CHAMPION DEFENDS NEW YORK TIMES REPORTER MIKE VRABEL OVER LEAKED PHOTOS
Vrabel, so far, has emerged from the situation unscathed. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
And there's this vague general rule in the league's rules for players: “Conduct that undermines or jeopardizes the integrity of the NFL, NFL clubs or NFL personnel.”
The Boston Globe has also attacked a “double standard,” saying that the credibility of female journalists is easier to question and that male figures such as coaches are less likely to suffer consequences.
Globe columnist Chad Finn says “accountability falls unevenly.”
Veteran sports journalist Jeff Pearlman said in a TikTok video that if he had a private meeting with Mike Vrabel, there would be no headlines even if they got in a hot tub, but when it'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 have to be cautious when they write about a particular man… It's a very painful double standard.”
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Look, I understand. Journalists are held to a higher ethical bar. Women journalists in particular are held to higher ethical standards than sources. Especially if the source is a powerful man. And especially if that guy just 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, and definitely not their team coach.
Year.
