After nearly two weeks of silence, New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel spoke to the media about the controversy surrounding him and NFL insider Dianna Russini.
Page Six rocked the NFL community earlier this month by sharing photos of Vrabel holding hands with Russini at a hotel. He initially called it an innocent interaction and said any rumors about a potential romance were "laughable."
Even though Russini and Vrabel's time together in Arizona became quite the headline, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told ESPN that Vrabel’s behavior would not be reviewed under the league's personal conduct policy.
Vrabel revealed to the media Tuesday that he spoke to his players about this incident. Although he didn't have much to say about his controversial encounter with Russini, he did issue a promise to New England's organization.
"What I can promise you is that my family, this organization, the team, the staff, the coaches, everybody – our fans, most importantly – will get the best version of me going forward," Vrabel said. "That’s what I know."
© Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images.
Despite the public's hunger for more information, Vrabel refused to take questions at this time. That decision didn't exactly sit well with NFL fans.
"This is what I expected to hear. Nothing much coming out," one fan commented.
"No questions? What a coward," a second fan wrote.
"Funniest part is both Vrabel and Russini literally flat out lied in their initial statements when the photos were leaked, they both said there was multiple other people there who werent pictured," another fan replied.
"Vrabel knows if he actually told reporters what he said to those players, he'd be the laughingstock of the league," a social media user argued.
What's the latest on Dianna Russini?
Russini officially stepped down from her role with The Athletic last Tuesday. She said her contract was set to expire at the end of June.
"I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published. When the Page Six item first appeared, The Athletic supported me unequivocally, expressed confidence in my work and pride in my journalism. For that I am grateful. 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 in a statement.
"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."
It's unclear if Russini will land another reporting gig before the start of the 2026 season.
