New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel feels “terrible” that his interactions with former NFL reporter Dianna Russini contributed to her resignation from The Athletic, according to a source close to the situation.
Vrabel, 50, believes “blood is on his hands” and that Russini’s career “is pretty much over,” the source told the Daily Mail on Tuesday. He is concerned she “may never be able to work again,” the insider said, describing Vrabel as overwhelmed by “so many emotions” as he participates in counseling and focuses on work to move forward.
The scandal began when the New York Post’s Page Six published photographs on April 7 showing Vrabel and Russini, 43, at a luxury adults-only resort in Sedona, Arizona, on March 28. Images depicted the two hugging, lounging poolside and having breakfast together. Additional photos from 2020, when Vrabel coached the Tennessee Titans, also surfaced showing them together at a New York bar.
Both are married with children and have denied any romantic involvement. Russini resigned from The Athletic — owned by The New York Times — in mid-April after the outlet placed her on leave and launched an internal investigation into her conduct and coverage. Her contract was set to expire at the end of June.
In her resignation statement, Russini wrote that she stepped down “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,” she added. “When the Page Six item first appeared, The Athletic supported me unequivocally, expressed confidence in my work and pride in my journalism. For that I am grateful.”
Sources described Russini as “shellshocked” by the intense public scrutiny. She has not made additional public statements and is focusing on “being a mom and to protect her kids through all of this madness,” one insider said. “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.”
Vrabel addressed the matter in an emotional press conference last week, saying he had “difficult conversations” with his family and is seeking counseling. He missed part of the NFL Draft to prioritize personal matters. The Patriots issued a statement supporting his decision to focus on his family and well-being, with owner Robert Kraft expressing full backing.
The source close to Vrabel said the coach is “drowning himself in work” while hoping “time heals all wounds” as he continues counseling. The organization has indicated it has no immediate plans to make a coaching change.
Russini, a veteran NFL insider who previously worked at ESPN, has not announced any future plans in sports media.
Flip the pages for photos of Vrabel and Russini together.
