Mike Vrabel Just Publicly Addressed The Dianna Russini Incident
Mike Vrabel just released a lengthy statement on the Dianna Russini incident.
The New England Patriots head coach was photographed with the NFL insider at a resort in Arizona. Page Six shared photos of Vrabel and Russini in swimsuits at an Arizona resort. The two, who are both married, were wearing swimsuits, hugging and holding hands, among other things.
Russini has since resigned from her position at The Athletic.
Vrabel released a statement on Tuesday, saying that this will be the first and final time that he addresses the incident. He revealed that he's spoken to his players and talked about being accountable and behaving well. Vrabel added that he's had "positive" but "difficult" conversations with loved ones, along with members of the Patriots franchise.
"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," he said.
"That's what I know."
Vrabel did not specifically address what happened with Russini or provide details of their relationship.
Russini, who previously covered the NFL for The Athletic, resigned in a public statement last week.
Full statement from NFL insider Dianna Russini
The full text of her resignation letter to Steve Ginsberg, executive editor of The Athletic, was released last week.
"Pleasé accept this letter as my resignation from The Athletic, effective immediately. I have come to this decision with deep sadness but with clarity about what is right for me, my family, and the work I have spent my career building.
"You and I have already publicly addressed the recent attacks against me, and I have nothing to add publicly to what we have said. 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.
"Over a career spanning more than fifteen years in sports journalism - at NBC, ESPN, and The Athletic - I have built a body of work I am proud of. I have broken stories, earned the trust of sources across the league, and been guided by the highest standards of professional conduct. That record speaks for itself.
"I remain grateful to The Athletic and for the extraordinary colleagues with whom I have worked there, for the platform it provided, and for the support you showed me during this difficult time. I wish you nothing but continued success."
Russini has not commented publicly since then.
Copyright The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 9:12 AM.