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Chase Daniel, a former colleague of ex-NYT reporter Dianna Russini, has broken his silence on her messy relationship with Mike Vrabel. On Thursday, May 14, Daniel, who played for NFL teams such as the New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears, and Detroit Lions, called the situation “unfortunate” before sharing his thoughts on what her future in media could look like.

Chase Daniel, Ex-Colleague Of Dianna Russini, Broke His Silence On Her Situationship With Mike Vrabel

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While appearing on “The Jim Rome Show,” Daniel, who hosted the “Scoop City” podcast with Russini for the New York Times’ sports brand, The Athletic, called her messy siutationship with Vrabel “unfortunate” before adding that he hasn’t thought much about it.

“We haven’t really chatted about it. We haven’t done any of that, so I’m going to leave that there. That’s their business,” he said.

Continuing, the retired NFL player said that while the story between Vrabel and Russini has taken on a life of its own, he doesn’t think it’s the end of the senior reporter’s career.

“It has turned into quite the assignment of everything, it’s like TMZ is covering it, the Wall Street Journal, all these things are covering it, so I’m sure she’ll land on her feet somewhere and that’s all I’ll really say about that,” he said.

Dianna Russini Spotted Holding Hands With Vrabel At An Arizona Resort

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Russini and Vrabel have been the topic of conversation since late March 2026, according to a previous report from The Blast.

At the time, photos of Vrabel and Russini getting cozy at an Arizona resort were shared online.

In one photo, the New England Patriots head coach is holding hands with the former senior NFL reporter, while in another, they’re spotted hugging. Another picture showed the pair lying out by the pool together.

According to a source, Vrabel and Russini, both married to other people, were reportedly together for hours at the resort, visiting the pool and other amenities.

The insider also claimed that they spent a portion of the afternoon together in a pricey $2,100/night bungalow on the resort’s roof.

Vrabel initially dismissed the photos as anything serious. In fact, he called the matter “laughable,” while Russini said the images only showed one side of the story.

“Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues,” she said.

Dianna Russini Retired From The Athletic After The Photos

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Days later, the story continued to grow, leading to Russini’s resignation from the NYT. In her statement, Russini said that, despite covering the league and its stars for years, she had chosen to step away from her job, hoping that it would quiet the noise.

“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,” she said.

Vrabel Won’t Face Punishment From The League Following Release Of Russini Photos

Vrabel, meanwhile, has been allowed to keep his position as Patriots head coach, according to The Blast, and the NFL had chosen not to investigate him.

In his first statement to the media, just days before the 2026 NFL Draft, Vrabel said that he had to have challenging conversations with his coaches, players, and his family.

While he described the conversations as “positive and productive,” he said he remained committed to becoming the best version of himself.

“We never want our actions to negatively affect the team, never want to be the cause of distraction,” he said, adding, “I know I’m going to attack each day with humility and focus,” saying that people closest to him would get “the best version of me going forward.”

Vrabel Attended Therapy With His Family During The 2026 NFL Draft

In another statement, Vrabel told the media that he would have to miss part of the 2026 Draft to attend counseling with his family.

“My priorities are my family and this football, and in that order,” he said. “My family needs me this weekend, and that’s where I’ll be.”

The Dianna Russini’s Ex Colleague Breaks Silence On Mike Vrabel Scandal first appeared on The Blast