Patriots coach Mike Vrabel breaks silence on Dianna Russini photo controversy

24 Apr 2026 • 3:52 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Patriots coach Mike Vrabel breaks silence on Dianna Russini photo controversy

New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel has admitted to having ‘difficult conversations’ with his family following the publication of photos of Vrabel and NFL reporter Dianna Russini.

Images of the pair holding hands at a resort in Sedona, Arizona were published by the New York Post earlier this month, reportedly taken prior to the NFL annual league meeting on March 29.

Speaking at a press conference, Vrabel said: “I’ve had some difficult conversations with people that I care about. With my family, the organisation, the coaches, the players.”

Russini stepped down from her role at The Athletic following the release of the photos, which prompted an internal review.

Since Vrabel’s statement on Tuesday (21 April), further photos of he and Russini, who are both married to other people, have surfaced.

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