New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel has posted a statement after being photographed holding hands with NFL reporter Dianna Russini.
Vrabel found himself in the headlines after Page Six of the New York Post obtained exclusive images of the pair from late March - around the time where the annual NFL meeting took place in Phoenix.
The article from the outlet said the two were "holding hands and hugging" at an-all adults resort in Ambiente in Sedona, Arizona.
According to Page Six, Vrabel was present at a scouting event at Arizona State University in Tempe before winding up at the Ambiente, considered to be a destination for a romantic break going off its website.
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The two-time NFL coach of the year and former ESPN Sportscenter anchor Russini, both married to other people, were snapped on what looked like a rooftop area of a private bungalow with the mountains in the distance, as well as relaxing around the pool and hot tub area.
While friends of both said they were part of a group, Page Six say that their photographs do not show anyone else present.
Following heavy backlash online, Vrabel has since responded to the release of the images and in a brief comment, claimed the interactions were "innocent".
"These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable,” Vrabel told Page Six.
“This doesn’t deserve any further response.”
Russini, who has covered the NFL for The Athletic since 2023, issued a similar statement and said: "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.”
Meanwhile, Steven Ginsberg, the website's executive editor, also provided backing for the 43-year-old. He stated: “These photos are misleading and lack essential context. These were public interactions in front of many people. Dianna is a premier journalist covering the NFL and we’re proud to have her at The Athletic.”
Russini has been married to Shake Shack executive Kevin Goldschmidt since 2020 and the couple have two children together. Vrabel and his wife Jennifer celebrated 25 years of marriage in 2024.
Vrabel and Russini have known each other since his stint in charge of the Tennessee Titans, whom she covered as a reporter for ESPN.
She has covered the Patriots at great length in her role at The Athletic, where she hosts the 'Scoop City: Inside the NFL' podcast.
Josh Lawless