Dianna Russini, 43, remains shellshocked following allegations of an affair with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, 50, and now prioritizes shielding her children from the fallout. The sports reporter resigned from The Athletic earlier this month amid the controversy. Both individuals, who are married with families, deny any improper relationship.
Russini’s Departure from The Athletic
Photos published by Page Six captured Russini and Vrabel at a luxury adults-only resort in Sedona, Arizona, on March 28, showing them hugging poolside, laughing together, and sharing breakfast alone. Additional images from 2020 depict them appearing close at a New York bar during Vrabel’s tenure as Tennessee Titans coach.
The New York Times, parent company of The Athletic, investigated the Sedona photos after Page Six’s inquiry. Russini went on leave before resigning, with her contract set to end in June. An ESPN report states she had an opportunity to refute the claims but did not succeed.
In her resignation statement, Russini declared: “I do so [resign] 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. I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published.”
Sources close to Russini describe the past weeks as intensely challenging. “Dianna is a bit shellshocked by it all and has not really shown her hand in all of this, as it has been a very intense situation that she is still trying to figure out,” one insider notes. “She’s neither here nor there right now as the dust hasn’t settled one bit. Nobody including herself knows what the next move for her will be. One thing she is mainly focusing on is being a mom and to protect her kids through all of this madness.”
Vrabel’s Response and Patriots Support
Vrabel issued a public apology to his family and began counseling over the weekend. During an emotional press conference last week, he acknowledged: “I’ve been forced to have difficult conversations with people I care about.”
Sources indicate Vrabel feels deep remorse, particularly over Russini’s career impact. “Mike feels terrible on many levels, especially since Dianna’s career is pretty much over, and that blood is on his hands,” the insider added. “He feels terrible that he is responsible and that she may never be able to work again.”
“There happens to be so many emotions going through him right now that for whatever counseling he is taking part in will be a continued situation for the foreseeable future,” the source continued. “All of this is not going to be fixed overnight. He has to get on the right page with himself, and everyone involved.”
The Patriots issued a statement backing Vrabel, praising his choice to “prioritize his family first, as well as his own well-being” through counseling.
Potential Coaching Changes
Team owner Robert Kraft remains loyal and has no plans to dismiss Vrabel. However, contingency discussions occur. “The Krafts are extremely loyal and have no intention of firing Mike, nor do they want to see him quit over all this drama,” a team insider reveals. “But if these upcoming few months go haywire… the one person that they would seek to replace him would be Mike Tomlin.”
Should Tomlin decline after his broadcasting role, Josh McDaniels emerges as another option, though the team prefers to support Vrabel long-term. “The Krafts will ride it out with Mike Vrabel till the wheels fall off,” the source concludes.
