The New York Times article on Dianna Russini includes new comments from her

Dianna Russini had said nothing since abruptly resigning from The Athletic in April, one week after photos first surfaced of Russini and Patriots coach Mike Vrabel at a resort in Sedona, Arizona.

Portions of a text message she sent to a New York Times reporter in May appear in the new article about the controversy — even though she apparently tried to categorize the remarks as “off the record.”

From the Times story, the reporter contacted Russini in early May to request an interview for the story. Russini, per the report, cited the “intense scrutiny and personal attacks” she had endured. She said, “This has had a significant impact on my life, both professionally and personally.”

She also referred to herself as a “former journalist” before asking the reporter not to quote from the text message.

From the Times story: “When the reporter told her that this article would include portions of her text message because no agreement had been made for them to engage in an off-the-record correspondence, Ms. Russini objected and then emailed Mr. Perpich, the publisher of The Athletic, as well as two senior editors at The Times to reiterate her wish that her comments not be included.”

The New York Times owns and operates The Athletic.

Obviously, the quotes were used. And the quotes were fair game. Off-the-record communications require an agreement between the reporter and the subject of the interview. Plenty of individuals have spoken freely to a reporter without realizing that everything is on the record, unless there’s an agreement in advance to treat the information differently.

Reporters know, or should know, the rules of engagement. It’s not enough to prepare a response and blurt out “off the record” at the end of it.

As the Times explains, Russini objected to the decision to quote from her text. Then, she went over the reporter’s head, unsuccessfully.

Next up will be the report of the internal investigation conducted by The Athletic. Which could prompt Russini to respond, either by making public comments — or possibly by taking The Athletic and the Times to court.