New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel will not attend the team’s pre-draft press conference this week, as scrutiny intensifies over his relationship with Diana Russini, a senior NFL reporter for The Athletic. The outlet has placed Russini on leave while investigating intimate photos of her and Vrabel that surfaced last week.
Key Developments
- The Athletic confirmed Russini will not report while the investigation continues, focusing on her relationship with Vrabel and potential conflicts of interest.
- Vrabel canceled his scheduled media appearance, with Patriots executive Eliot Wolf replacing him at the press conference.
Background and Context
Photos of Vrabel and Russini, both married, holding hands and hugging at an Arizona resort were published by Page Six. Both have denied any inappropriate conduct, with Vrabel calling the images "completely innocent." Russini stated the photos depicted a group of friends.
The Athletic’s editorial guidelines emphasize avoiding conflicts of interest, particularly between reporters and sources. The investigation will review Russini’s coverage of the Patriots and her relationship with Vrabel.
The Patriots have not publicly addressed Vrabel’s absence from the press conference, though sources suggest he may not speak to media until the NFL draft begins on April 23.