Newly surfaced photos reportedly show Mike Vrabel, Dianna Russini at NYC bar in 2020
Key Points:
- New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel announced he will miss Day 3 of the NFL Draft to seek counseling amid a personal controversy involving NFL insider Dianna Russini, with whom he was photographed in intimate settings dating back to 2020.
- Newly surfaced photos show Vrabel and Russini closely interacting at a New York City bar in 2020, a time when Vrabel was married and Russini was engaged to another man; these images have intensified media scrutiny.
- Russini resigned from her position at The Athletic amid the controversy, denying any wrongdoing and criticizing the media speculation surrounding the situation while The Athletic conducts an internal review.
- The NFL has stated it is not investigating Vrabel under its personal conduct policy, and Vrabel has described the matter as personal and private, emphasizing his commitment to his family, team, and personal growth through counseling.
- Vrabel, a two-time AP NFL Coach of the Year and former Patriots linebacker, expressed his intention to lead by example and become a better husband, father, and coach, thanking supporters and promising a stronger resolve moving forward.