NFL legend weighs in on double standard in Russini-Vrabel fallout

With the fallout from the messy scandal involving a potential affair between NFL insider Dianna Russini and Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel still emerging, some folks feel one party in the drama might not be getting a fair shake. Now, you can add NFL legend Cris Carter to that list.

Russini was quickly investigated by her employers at the time, The Athletic, and eventually submitted her resignation to the organization. Meanwhile, Vrabel has been scrutinized, but there seem to be no plans by the Patriots franchise or the NFL to hand down any punishment or repercussions to the veteran coach and former standout player.

“No one was surprised by the information,” Carter said on the Fully Loaded podcast. “But to have her life altered and destroyed over having an affair, you know, with an NFL coach, I don’t care if he was a school teacher. That shouldn’t ruin or alter her career. And it has.”

"I do know people who have talked to Dianna, and this has been a horrific situation for her. And it shouldn't be that way, but it is because she's a female."

Carter also acknowledged that reporters and coaches are typically held to different professional standards in these types of relationships, so the effect the scandal has had on Russini's career isn't necessarily unexpected. But while Vrabel was absent on Day 3 of the draft, he was reportedly back at team facilities this week and received a standing ovation. At the same time, meeting with season-ticket holders for a Q&A – showing his career is not being impacted quite the same way as Russini's.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: NFL legend weighs in on double standard in Russini-Vrabel fallout