The controversy involving New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and former NFL reporter Dianna Russini keeps swirling. In yet another surprising development, Vrabel, 50, announced his intention to seek counseling, per ESPN. He will miss part of the upcoming NFL draft which starts tonight. Vrabel will reportedly be absent for Day 3 on Saturday.
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Page Six Has Published New Pics of the Two Together Allegedly Taken in 2020
On Thursday, April 23, Page Six published additional photos supposedly of Vrabel and Russini. The outlet claims that these newly-revealed pics allegedly showing the two were reportedly taken on March 11, 2020 at Tribeca Tavern in New York. Per the outlet, "They sat close to each other while conversing at the bar, at one point appearing to share a kiss."
Vrabel was already married his wife, Jen, at that time, the outlet states. As for Russini, she reportedly wed her husband six months later.
Vrabel: "This Is Not an Easy Thing for Me To Admit"
According to the outlet, Vrabel stated the following on Wednesday evening, April 22. "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. 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."
Furthermore, Vrabel added, "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. This is not an easy thing for me to admit, but it is one that I know will make me a better person. I appreciate the support that everyone has given me and promise a stronger resolve as a result."
The Situation Began With Headline-Making Photos
On Tuesday, April 7, Page Six published some photos of Mike Vrabel with Dianna Russini, 43, who was at the time a reporter for The Athletic. They were shown together at an upscale resort in Arizona hugging and holding hands. Those pictures sparked speculation about a possible relationship between the two, both of whom are married to others.
At the time, they each firmly denied any impropriety. Additionally, they claimed they were at the resort in the company of other friends as well. Those people were not in the photos published by Page Six. Vrabel said per the outlet, "These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn't deserve any further response."
Meanwhile, Russini noted, "The photos don't represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day. Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues."
She Resigned a Week Later
Dianna Russini quit her job at The Athletic on Tuesday, April 14. In her letter of resignation to Executive Editor Steven Ginsberg, which she made public, Russini stated in part, "...[T]his 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."
Russini went on, "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."
Vrabel Gave a Press Conference on Tuesday
The embattled coach spoke to reporters two days ago on Tuesday, April 21. Per masslive.com, he acknowledged recently having "difficult conversations with...my family, the organization, coaches, the players." He referred to the situation he is currently dealing with as "a personal and private matter." Mike Vrabel also affirmed, "I'm going to focus on our football team."
