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New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has finally addressed the Dianna Russini scandal in public.
Two weeks ago, Vrabel was photographed with Russini at an adults-only retreat in Arizona.
At the time, Vrabel and Russini, who are both married to other people, denied any wrongdoing.
“These photos show a completely innocent interaction, and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn’t deserve any further response,” Vrabel told the NY Post.
“The photos don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day. Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues.”
On Tuesday, ahead of the NFL draft, Vrabel addressed the media and revealed that he had some difficult conversations with people close to him, including his players.
“I’ve had some difficult conversations with people I care about about — with my family, the organization, the coaches, the players. Those have been positive and productive. In order to be successful on and off the field, you have to make good decisions. That includes me. That starts with me.”
‘What I can promise you is that my family, this organization, the team, the staff, the coaches, everybody, our fans most importantly, will get the best version of me going forward.’
Vrabel wouldn’t disclose any specifics regarding the conversations he had with his players.
“Those are comments and questions that I’ve answered for the team and with the team and we’ll keep those private and to ourselves. I care deeply about this football team and I’m excited to coach them,” Vrabel said. “I also know that I’m going to attack each day with humility and focus. And what I can promise you is that my family, this organization, the team, the staff, the coaches, everybody, our fans most importantly will get the best version of me going forward. And that’s what I know. I’m excited to do that, but I wanted to just address this and thank you for dealing with a private and personal matter.”
𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Patriots HC Mike Vrabel makes a statement on the Diana Russini situation.
“I’ve had some difficult conversations with people I care about. With my family, the organization, the coaches, the players.”
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 21, 2026
Vrabel’s tone is very different from Russini’s, who remained defiant after resigning from her job at The Athletic.
“I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published. 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. In the days that followed, unfortunately, commentators in various media have engaged in self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from the facts.”
“Moreover, this media frenzy is hurtling forward without regard for the review process The Athletic is trying to complete. It continues to escalate, fueled by repeated leaks, and I have no interest in submitting to a public inquiry that has already caused far more damage than I am willing to accept. Rather than allowing this to continue, I have decided to step aside now — before my current contract expires on June 30. I do so 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.”
The NFL has already made it clear that they don’t plan to investigate Vrabel over the Russini scandal.