Leaked photos with Dianna Russini could force New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel to address the controversy with the team.
NBC Sports Boston reporter Michael Holley reported this, quoting an unnamed former player whose message is blunt.
“I was talking to a former player and he said, ‘They don’t want any damn answers,’” the journalist said, highlighting the drama and suggesting the dressing room will not shake the matter.
“Do you think Mike Vrabel can just sweep this under the rug without talking to the players? Coaches don’t treat us like they treat the media,” Holley noted.
Vrabel, who has been coaching the New England Patriots since last year, has his reputation on the line, the reporter hints, noting that his way out is to explain the matter to his team.
“I think Vrabel will have to say something to his team. I think he will have to answer something that has been in the news for a while. For his credibility, he will have to say something to the team.”
But in stark contrast to Holley’s portrayal, Eliot Wolf, Patriots EVP of Player Personnel, insists despite the feud that Vrabel is still deeply involved in the team’s business ahead of the NFL draft.
“[Mike is] very involved. Business as usual,” he said at a news conference, adding: “He has been with us, probably this round of meetings, a little bit more than last year.”
Dianne Russini is resigning from The Athletic
Russini, on the other hand, resigned after an internal investigation. The Athleticswhile dismissing rumors of an affair with Vrabel.
“I do [resign] not because I accept the narrative built around this episode, but because I refuse to give it any more oxygen or let it define me or my career,” she wrote in the letter.
“I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand by every story I have ever published.”
“This media frenzy rages on with no regard for the review process. The Athletic is trying to complete it.”
“Rather than allow this to continue, I have decided to step aside now – before my current contract expires on June 30,” the letter concludes.
