Mike Vrabel addressed the Dianna Russini photo scandal for the first time on Tuesday, according to reports. The 50-year-old Patriots coach has been under scrutiny over the past two weeks after being embroiled in controversy following the publication of photos of him and NFL insider Dianna Russini, sources indicate. The suggestive photos showed Dianna Russini and Mike Vrabel hugging, lounging poolside, and laughing together at a $2,500-per-night adults-only getaway in Sedona, Arizona, per reports.
Vrabel spoke to reporters as the Patriots started their offseason program, according to sources. The coach, who leads one of the NFL's most storied franchises, addressed the situation directly during his media availability. "I've had some difficult conversations with people I care about about - with my family, the organization, the coaches, the players," Vrabel said. "Those have been positive and productive. We believe that in order to be successful on and off the field, you have to make good decisions. That includes me. That starts with me."
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. We believe that in order to be successful on and off the field, you have to make good decisions. That includes me. That starts with me. We never want our actions to negatively affect team, we never want to cause a distraction. I care deeply about this football team and I'm excited to coach them. I'm going to attack each day with humility and focus. 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.
The NFL has decided not to investigate Mike Vrabel's behavior as part of the league's personal conduct policy, according to NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy. The league's personal conduct policy states that players, coaches, and executives are required to avoid 'conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the National Football League,' per the policy. The decision means Vrabel will face no league discipline related to the photos.
Dianna Russini, a 43-year-old sports reporter, was placed on leave before ultimately resigning last week, according to The Daily Mail. In her resignation statement, Russini said she resigned not because she accepts the narrative around the episode but to avoid giving it further attention. ESPN has claimed that Dianna Russini was given the chance to clear her name, but failed to do so. The specific opportunity Russini was allegedly given and why she reportedly failed to utilize it remain unclear.
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. 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.
The New York Times, which owns The Athletic, launched an investigation into the photos when contacted by Page Six, who published the photos last week, The Daily Mail previously reported. The details or findings of that investigation have not been made public. It remains unknown whether the New England Patriots intend to review Mike Vrabel's relationship with Dianna Russini internally. The specific reasons why Russini was placed on leave and resigned, beyond her public statement, have also not been disclosed.
Vrabel emphasized his commitment to the Patriots organization during his comments. "We never want our actions to negatively affect team, we never want to cause a distraction," he said. "I care deeply about this football team and I'm excited to coach them. I'm going to attack each day with humility and focus." The coach concluded with a promise to those affected by the controversy: "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."