It takes a good deal of hubris to believe you can outrun a story that combines sex, the fall from grace of public figures, The New York Times, the New England Patriots, and years of social media posts and podcast clips and interactions that can be revisited and reexamined by Reddit commenters and reporters alike. It would have taken a good deal of hubris to think more photos weren’t coming. By trying to get past the story without owning up to the whole of it, Vrabel and the Patriots have wound up on the back foot, responding piecemeal and fueling the barrage of updates that have now migrated far beyond the sports pages and become the story of the draft.
The Ringer – Nora Princiotti – Mike Vrabel’s Hubris Made Him the Main Character of the NFL Draft
During his presser on Tuesday, Vrabel looked and sounded contrite. He was solicitous of the press. But he didn’t apologize. He didn’t admit any guilt. He didn’t comment on his relationship with Russini. He never mentioned the ex-Athletic senior NFL insider by name.
“It was definitely scripted. A true apology has no ifs or buts and has a full repentant heart. It’s more about heart work than head work to win back the ultimate currency: trust,” Paul tells FOS. “However, in sports some fans ultimately will divide his personal sexual situation from his coaching ability this season. If he wins, they will forget soon. If he loses, they will say maybe he could coach better if he keeps his pants on.”
Those who think Vrabel and the Patriots have been flying by the seats of their pants since the start of this scandal aren’t paying attention. In fact, their response has all the earmarks of a carefully choreographed crisis management operation.
The New York Times’ ethics policy on avoiding conflicts states: “Relationships with sources require sound judgment to prevent the fact or appearance of partiality… It is essential we preserve a detachment, free of any whiff of bias.”
Close relationships with people who figure in a reporter’s coverage must be disclosed to the standards editor, the policy adds.
ESPN – Ben Strauss – Inside the fallout of the Dianna Russini and Mike Vrabel photos
Journalists hold themselves apart, and above, the common person. They have rules designed to ensure their objectivity and impartiality.
Michael Arrington
Phil has a question:
How many coaches and GMs have shared a beer with a male reporter over the eons.
Never affirm, always allude: allusions are made to test the spirit and probe the heart.
Umberto Eco
Phil has a question:
If Russini’s title was ‘Senior NFL Insider’ would the job description not be to get to know the people inside the NFL as part of the information gleaning process.
The idea of insider information to me is almost, like, laughable.
Kevin Plank
With A Little Help From My Friends
Phil M. Stockmen