An internal investigation by The Athletic concluded that the relationship between former senior NFL reporter Dianna Russini and New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel constituted a "clear violation" of company standards. The report found the relationship created an appearance of conflict of interest, requiring disclosure despite the nature of the romance. The investigation was prompted by photographs published by The New York Post showing the pair at a Sedona, Arizona resort in April.

Although The Athletic initially defended Russini, she resigned on April 14. Post-resignation photos emerged showing Russini and Vrabel at a New York bar in March 2020. The review analyzed 903 articles, 77 videos, and 204 podcast episodes, finding 5 percent of her work mentioned Vrabel or his teams without thinking. Mr. Semel recommended editors' notes on one column and three videos, noting her tone was "gushing" and "effusive" in Vrabel coverage.

After she stepped down, The Athletic paused the personal conduct review but continued investigating her journalism ethics.