The ongoing scandal involving New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and former NFL reporter Dianna Russini has taken a dramatic turn with the release of new photographs. On Thursday afternoon, just hours before the first round of the NFL draft, Page Six published images appearing to show the couple kissing at a bar in New York City six years ago. The photos, taken on March 11, 2020, at Tribeca Tavern, depict Vrabel and Russini in an intimate embrace.
Details of the 2020 Incident
According to an eyewitness quoted by Page Six, Vrabel and Russini were "all over each other" during the evening. The source described them sitting close together, kissing, and at one point, Russini's legs were between Vrabel's. At the time, Vrabel was still married to his wife Jen, and Russini later married Shake Shack executive Kevin Goldschmidt six months after the incident.
Additional Photos from 2024
Shortly after the Page Six report, TMZ released another photo of the pair from January 31, 2024, at the Beau Rivage Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi. They were reportedly in town for the Senior Bowl. In the image, Vrabel is seen smiling and gambling, suggesting a continued association.
Social Media Speculation
The revelations sparked intense speculation on social media, with Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy questioning whether Vrabel fathered one of Russini's children. He pointed out that Russini's oldest son, born in 2021, is named Michael—the same as Vrabel's first name. "You just can't name your kid the same name as the guy you are having an affair with," Portnoy posted, calling the situation "bananaland."
Vrabel's Response
Speaking at a press conference during the NFL draft, Vrabel declined to comment on the specifics of the relationship, calling it a "private and personal matter." He emphasized his commitment to protecting his family and the football team. Vrabel also reiterated his plan to seek counseling, starting this weekend, promising to be the best version of himself for his family and organization.
Russini Goes Dark
In response to the latest photos, Russini deleted her X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday evening. She had previously posted her resignation letter from The Athletic on the platform, but it is no longer visible. Russini resigned after the outlet launched an internal investigation into her conduct following the initial photos of her with Vrabel at an Arizona resort.
Initial Denials
Both Vrabel and Russini initially denied any affair. Vrabel called the photos "a completely innocent interaction," while Russini explained that journalists often interact with sources away from stadiums. However, the new evidence has cast doubt on these claims, and the scandal continues to unfold.
