Patriots deny using "crisis communications expert" for Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini situation

Key Points:

• The New England Patriots denied hiring any external crisis communications experts to manage the controversy involving Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini, contradicting reports that a "notorious crisis strategist" was involved in trying to suppress photos from an adults-only Arizona resort.
• Patriots VP of communications Stacey James emphasized that neither owner Robert Kraft nor the team engaged external PR strategists, though she avoided directly addressing whether pressure was applied to the New York Post.
• It was reported that Dianna Russini retained a crisis communications expert after being contacted by the Post, suggesting possible miscommunication about who managed the crisis efforts.
• The Patriots' initial response, including clear denials from all parties, was seen as inadequate, and the team's recent approach—making Vrabel available for a limited statement without prior notice—was criticized for ruffling feathers.
• Despite efforts to control the narrative, the controversy has persisted for over two weeks, proving difficult to quell amid the relentless NFL news cycle.