Dianna Russini remains shellshocked from the recent scandal involving New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and is prioritizing her children’s protection amid the fallout, sources close to her indicate. The 43-year-old sports reporter resigned from her position at The Athletic earlier this month following allegations of an affair with the 50-year-old Vrabel. Both individuals, who are married with children, have firmly denied the claims.
Photos Spark Controversy
Page Six first published images showing Russini and Vrabel at a luxury adults-only resort in Sedona, Arizona, on March 28, where they appeared to hug, relax poolside, laugh together, and share breakfast alone. Additional photos from 2020 depict them looking intimate at a New York bar during Vrabel’s tenure as Tennessee Titans coach.
Russini’s Departure from The Athletic
The New York Times, parent company of The Athletic, investigated the Sedona photos after Page Six’s inquiry. Russini was placed on leave before resigning. Her contract was due to expire in late June. An ESPN report revealed she had an opportunity to refute the allegations but did not. In her resignation statement, Russini said: “I do so [resign] not because I accept the narrative that has been constructed around this episode, but because I refuse to lend it further oxygen or to let it define me or my career. I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published.” She added that The Athletic initially supported her fully.
Sources describe Russini’s recent weeks as intensely challenging. “Dianna is a bit shellshocked by it all and has not really shown her hand in all of this, as it has been a very intense situation that she is still trying to figure out,” one insider noted. “She’s neither here nor there right now as the dust hasn’t settled one bit. Nobody including herself knows what the next move for her will be. One thing she is mainly focusing on is being a mom and to protect her kids through all of this madness.”
Vrabel’s Response and Patriots’ Support
Vrabel has apologized to his family, begun counseling over the weekend, and received full backing from the Patriots. During an emotional press conference, he acknowledged holding “difficult conversations with people I care about.” Sources say Vrabel feels deep remorse, particularly over Russini’s career setback. “Mike feels terrible on many levels, especially since Dianna’s career is pretty much over, and that blood is on his hands,” the source stated. “He feels terrible that he is responsible and that she may never be able to work again.”
Counseling continues as Vrabel navigates complex emotions. “There happens to be so many emotions going through him right now that for whatever counseling he is taking part in will be a continued situation for the foreseeable future,” the insider explained. “All of this is not going to be fixed overnight. He has to get on the right page with himself, and everyone involved.” The Patriots commended Vrabel’s choice to prioritize family and well-being.
Potential Coaching Changes
Owner Robert Kraft remains loyal and has no plans to dismiss Vrabel. However, contingency discussions are underway. “The Krafts are extremely loyal and have no intention of firing Mike, nor do they want to see him quit over all this drama,” a team insider revealed. “But if these upcoming few months go haywire, and if they are put in a situation of no return… the one person that they would seek to replace him would be Mike Tomlin.”
If Tomlin declines after his TV role, Josh McDaniels emerges as another option, though the team prefers to support Vrabel long-term. “The Krafts will ride it out with Mike Vrabel till the wheels fall off,” the source concluded.
