This week, New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons, after pictures were leaked showing him alone with NFL reporter Dianna Russini of The Athletic at an adults-only hotel in Arizona. The pictures quickly caused a scandal, with both parties releasing a statement, and Russini now under investigation by her employer.
Some were wondering if Vrabel might make an appearance at the Patriots’ upcoming predraft press conference later this week, but those who were hoping he would will be disappointed by the latest development.
“Vrabel — who has been in the news this week, as the Athletic is reinvestigating the coverage of NFL reporter Dianna Russini and the nature of her relationship with him, sources familiar with the matter told ESPN — isn’t expected to address reporters until the draft,” reported Mike Reiss of ESPN.
Boston sports fans don’t have to look far back to find another example of a local head coach finding himself at the center of an affair scandal on the heels of a championship loss, with Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka being fired for having a relationship with a staffer following the 2021-22 season, opening the door for Joe Mazzulla to coach the team.
Currently, Vrabel is not under investigation by the Patriots, although Russini is facing major questions about journalistic integrity and related topics amid her own investigation.
It’s unlikely, whenever Vrabel does end up facing the press for the first time since news of the scandal broke, that he will divulge many details about the incident.
This week, New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons, after pictures were leaked showing him alone with NFL reporter Dianna Russini of The Athletic at an adults-only hotel in Arizona. The pictures quickly caused a scandal, with both parties releasing a statement, and Russini now under investigation by her employer.