The Dan LeBatard Show/NBC Sports Boston
It appears that the NFL is not interested in delving too deep into the Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini scandal.
Last week, Vrabel found himself at the center of a firestorm when he was photographed in a hot tub at an adults-only resort with NFL reporter Dianna Russini.
Both Vrabel and Russini, who are 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.”
Russini has since resigned from her job at The Athletic after The Athletic began investigating her relationship with Vrabel.
“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.”
According to ESPN’s Ben Strauss, while The Athletic continues its investigation into Russini’s relationships, the NFL will not investigate or punish Vrabel over the Russini scandal.
Via ESPN
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said the league is not reviewing Vrabel’s behavior as part of the league’s personal conduct policy, which states players, coaches and executives are required to avoid “conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the National Football League.”