The Dianna Russini and Mike Vrabel situation just keeps taking wild turns ahead of the NFL Draft.
Earlier this month, Page Six shared photos of Russini and Vrabel at a hotel in Arizona. Although they said they were on separate trips, Russini eventually resigned from her position with The Athletic. She became a lead NFL insider for the publication after a successful stint at ESPN.
"In the days that followed, unfortunately, commentators in various media have engaged in self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from the facts,” Russini said. "Moreover, this media frenzy is hurtling forward without regard for the review process The Athletic is trying to complete. It continues to escalate, fueled by repeated leaks, and I have no interest in submitting to a public inquiry that has already caused far more damage than I am willing to accept. Rather than allowing this to continue, I have decided to step aside now — before my current contract expires on June 30. I do so 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."
Even though Russini left ESPN in August 2023, the Worldwide Leader in Sports has found itself caught up in this scandal. That's because Page Six shared exclusive photos of Russini and Vrabel "all over each other" at a bar in New York City. These photos were taken on March 11, 2020.
“They were kissing and they were all over each other,” an eyewitness told Page Six. “He had a ring on.”
98.5 The Sports Hub, The Athletic.
Russini was working for ESPN when this encounter took place. Vrabel, meanwhile, was the head coach of the Tennessee Titans. Five days after they spent time together in a bar, Russini shared a report about the Titans' rumored interest in Tom Brady.
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk asked if ESPN will review Russini's reporting from 2020. The network declined to comment on this situation.
"The point for now is that the newest photos directly relate to her time at ESPN," Florio wrote. "And that specific entanglement could explain why it took so long for ESPN to pay full attention to the story. In the end, its own credibility could be undermined by the reporting Russini did while working there."
Mike Vrabel stepping away from the NFL Draft.
It was announced Wednesday night that Vrabel will seek counseling later this week. As a result, he won't be available for Day 3 of the draft.
"As I said the other day, I promised my family, this organization and this team that I was going to give them the best version of me that I can possibly give them. In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend," Vrabel said. "This is something that I have given a lot of thought to and is something I would advise a player to do if I was counseling them. I have always wanted to lead by example, and I believe this is what I have to do to be the best husband, father and coach that I possibly can be."
Vrabel is still on track to be the head coach of the Patriots this fall. Russini, on the other hand, has not said anything about her future as an NFL reporter.
