Fresh photo scandal engulfs football coach Mike Vrabel and sports presenter Dianna Russini
A fresh scandal has erupted over the relationship between high-profile married NFL football coach Mike Vrabel and sports reporter Dianna Russini, after news outlets in the US published more photos of the pair.
Page Six was the first to publish the photos it claims were taken back in 2020, showing the pair looking cosy in a New York City bar.
It comes two weeks after the same media outlet published photos of the pair on what appeared be a romantic getaway, which resulted in Russini resigning from her job.
The latest scandal, which came just one day after Vrabel fronted media for the first time, saw the New England Patriots head coach annnounce he would miss Day 3 of the NFL draft on Saturday to attend counselling.
A fresh photo scandal has engulfed sports presenter Dianna Russini and football coach Mike Vrabel. Getty
He made the announcement in a statement released by the team.
"As I said the other day, I promised my family, this organisation and this team that I was going to give them the best version of me that I can possibly give them," the statement said.
"In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend.
"This is something that I have given a lot of thought to and is something I would advise a player to do if I was counseling them."
READ MORE: How a text message ended tennis stars' 20-year feud
READ MORE: Aussie mum who left baby alone in hotel room hits back
READ MORE: Tyson Fury's wife reveals reason behind bizarre name trend
New York Patriots coach Mike Vrabel fronts a press conference this weel to talk about the scandal. YouTube/@CBS Boston
"I have always wanted to lead by example and I believe this is what I have to do to be the best husband, father and coach that I possibly can be.
"This is not an easy thing for me to admit, but it is one that I know will make me a better person. I appreciate the support that everyone has given me and promise a stronger resolve as a result."
Vrabel has been head coach of the New England Patriots since 2025, while Russini worked for The New York Times affiliate The Atlantic until resigning 10 days ago.
The latest photos were reportedly taken in March 2020 – six months before Russini married her now husband, and appears to show the couple kissing.
An eyewitness who claimed they were in the bar on the night told Page Six the reporter and the coach were "very close to each other" throughout the evening.
"They were all over each other. He had a ring on. They were having a glorious time."
Vrabel and Russini's professional relationship dates back many years. Facebook
At the time the photos were reportedly taken, Vrabel was head coach of the Tennessee Titans, while Russini covered the NFL for ESPN.
Page Six says it contacted both for comment prior to publication of the latest photos, while nine.com.au has also reached out to Vrabel and the Patriots for comment.
It was thought to be the impetus for Vrabel telling ESPN just hours later that he would miss Day 3 of the NFL draft to enter counselling.
Just one day earlier, Vrabel fronted a New England Patriots press conference to discuss the earlier scandal for the first time, and admitted he'd had "difficult conversations" with people he cares about, including his family, in the wake of the publication of photos earlier this month.
Page Six first published photos on April 7, which it said were taken two weeks earlier at a boutique resort in the tourist spot of Sedona, Arizona.
The photos showed the pair holding hands, embracing and lounging in the pool at the adults-only retreat, which is known for hosting romantic getaways.
However, both parties and Russini's former employer denied anything inappropriate took place and claimed they were part of a group staying at the hotel.
Russini with her husband. Instagram/@dmrussini
Vrabel and Russini are both married to other people.
Vrabel, 50, has been married to wife Jen since 1999. They share two adult sons, Tyler and Carter.
Russini, 43, wed Shake Shack executive Kevin Goldschmidt in 2020, and they are parents to two young sons, Michael and Joey.
The coach broke his silence during a pre-NFL draft press conference on Tuesday to thank journalists for the patience "that you've shown in a personal and private matter".
He said while he could have addressed the matter sooner, it was important he first speak to the players.
"You know, I've had some difficult conversations with people that I care about; my family, the organisation, the coaches, the players. Those have been positive and productive," he said.
"We believe that in order to be successful on and off the field, you have to make good decisions. That includes me and starts with me.
"We never want our actions to negatively affect the team. We never want to be the cause of a distraction.
"These are comments and questions I've answered for the team and with the team and I want to keep those private and to ourselves.
"What I can promise you is that my family [and] this organisation… will get the best version of me going forward."
Russini interviewing a player in 2025. Getty
Russini took to X on April 14 to announce her resignation. She included a copy of the resignation letter, which was effective immediately.
"I have come to this decision with deep sadness but with clarity about what is right for me, my family and the work I have spent my career building," she wrote.
"I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published.
"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."
However, Russini said in the days since then, "commentators in various media have engaged in self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from the facts".
"Moreover, this media frenzy is hurtling forward without regard for the review process The Athletic is trying to complete. It continues to escalate, fuelled by repeated leaks, and I have no interest in submitting to a public inquiry that has already caused far more damage than I am willing to accept," she said.
"Rather than allowing this to continue, I have decided to step aside now.
"I do so not because I accept the narrative that has been constructed around this episode, but because I refuse to lend it further oxygen or to let it define me or my career."
New York-based Russini said she remained proud of the career she built over 15 years, which included stints at ESPN and NBC.
Sports reporter Dianna Russini resigned over the photos. Getty
In the wake of the photos being published, both parties and Russini's employer denied anything inappropriate took place.
The Athletic's executive editor Steven Ginsberg also leapt to her defence, saying "these photos are misleading and lack essential context".
FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.
