Questions started building around New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel after photos emerged showing him with journalist Dianna Russini at a luxury Arizona hotel. The two appeared to be holding hands in the images, which immediately sparked conversation across NFL circles.
Russini was working for The Athletic when the photos surfaced. She stepped down from her role on Tuesday, despite having several months left on her contract. In a public resignation letter posted to social media, she made it clear the departure was on her own terms.
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She explained the move came “not because I accept the narrative that has been constructed around this episode,” but to avoid letting the situation overshadow her work or career.
NFL addresses Mike Vrabel situation
The league addressed whether Vrabel would face any disciplinary action. The NFL will not review the conduct of Mike Vrabel following photos with journalist Dianna Russini, according to spokesman Brian McCarthy, via Ben Strauss.
Vrabel, who took home AP NFL Coach of the Year honors, continues leading the Patriots into next week’s draft. He turned down requests for comment when approached by reporters.
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel
McCarthy clarified that the matter doesn’t trigger the league’s personal conduct policy, which holds players, coaches, and executives accountable for actions that could damage the NFL’s integrity or public trust.
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Neither Vrabel nor the Patriots offered much of a response yet. That silence might not last long once the NFL Draft arrives next week and media availability ramps up. The New York Post broke the story on April 7 with the photos.
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Ben Strauss reported that both Russini and Vrabel were given an opportunity to reshape the narrative or halt publication entirely if they could prove they were traveling with friends.
The Athletic initially backed Russini’s version of events. But when pressed for additional documentation, she couldn’t produce it. That gap triggered an internal review into her reporting and the alleged relationship with Vrabel.
The investigation remains active even after her resignation.