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Patriots Executive Says Mike Vrabel Is Up to 'Business as Usual' amid Dianna Russini Photos
TL;DR
Mike Vrabel is concentrating on the NFL draft despite recent attention from photos with reporter Dianna Russini. Both have denied any inappropriate behavior amid speculation about their relationship.
Dianna Russini, Mike Vrabel
Credit: Jeff Schear/Getty; Thearon W. Henderson/Getty
NEED TO KNOW
- Mike Vrabel is focused on the upcoming NFL draft, a New England Patriots executive says
- The head coach has been in the spotlight since he appeared alongside The Athletic reporter Dianna Russini in a series of photos published by the New York Post last week
- Both Vrabel and Russini, who are separately married, have denied any wrongdoing
Mike Vrabel is dialed in on the upcoming NFL draft amid ongoing speculation about his relationship with NFL reporter Dianna Russini, according to a New England Patriots executive.
At a pre-draft press conference on Monday, April 13, the team’s vice president of player personnel was asked about the head coach’s involvement in player evaluations over the course of the past week, as Vrabel and Russini have found themselves in the spotlight following the publication of photos featuring the two of them at an Arizona hotel.
"Very involved. Business as usual,” Eliot Wolf said. “He’s been in there with us a little more than he was last year."
Wolf added, "He's been contributing. He's watched a ton of the players."
According to USA Today, the 50-year-old head coach was not scheduled to address the media on Monday. His last appearance in front of reporters was on March 31, days after he was photographed holding hands and hugging Russini at the Ambiente Sedona resort but before the pictures were published on Tuesday, April 7.
Mike Vrabel
Credit: Timothy T Ludwig/Getty
As Vrabel focuses on the upcoming season after losing in the 2026 Super Bowl to the Seattle Seahawks, Russini is the subject of an investigation by her employer, The Athletic.
On Saturday, April 11, The New York Times reported that Russini, 43, is being investigated by The Athletic (which is owned by the Times) for her conduct with Vrabel, citing a source familiar with the inquiry.
According to the source, The Athletic is looking into "the nature of Ms. Russini’s relationship with Mr. Vrabel," as well as her coverage. She will not be reporting while the investigation is underway, the outlet said.
Both Vrabel and Russini, who are separately married, have denied any impropriety.
"These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable," Vrabel told the New York Post on Tuesday, April 7. "This doesn’t deserve any further response."
Russini told the Post that she was doing her job as a beat reporter.
"The photos don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day. Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues," Russini told the outlet.
PEOPLE has reached out to Russini and a representative for Vrabel, but have not heard back.
Read the original article on People
Q&A
What did Mike Vrabel say about his focus amid rumors with Dianna Russini?
Mike Vrabel is focused on the upcoming NFL draft, according to a New England Patriots executive.
What was the reaction of Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini to the photos published by the New York Post?
Both Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini, who are married, have denied any wrongdoing regarding the photos.
What are the implications of the speculation surrounding Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini?
The speculation has drawn public attention but both parties are maintaining their professional focus and denying any inappropriate relationship.