Patriots coach Mike Vrabel addresses ‘personal, private’ matter involving reporter Dianna Russini

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel issued a statement on Tuesday regarding his behavior in connection with published photos of him and former Athletic reporter Dianna Russini.

While the NFL is not investigating Vrabel, the photos taken at an Arizona resort prompted Russini‘s resignation and an internal investigation at The New York Times-owned sports outlet.

Vrabel addressed his behavior while speaking in the media room at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, just days before the start of the 2026 NFL Draft.

“Let me first begin by saying thank you. Thank you for your patience that you’ve shown in a personal and private matter for me, and obviously everybody involved,” Vrabel told reporters who gathered at the stadium. “I know that that’s not easy for you, and I respect that and appreciate your efforts in doing so.”

Vrabel said he had a “very candid” conversation with Patriots players about his behavior on Monday, something he wanted to do before making a public statement.

“It was never my intention to have them [the players] speak to you or address you before I did,” Vrabel said. “I also don’t want to take away from the Draft...This is an important time for us.”

The New York Post earlier this month published poolside photos of Vrabel and Russini at the Sedona hotel, showing the two holding hands, embracing, and sitting in a pool.

Vrabel added, “I’ve had some difficult conversations with people I care about, with my family, the organization, the coaches, the players. Those have been positive and productive. We believe in order to be successful on and off the field, you have to make good decisions, and that starts with me.”