Mike Vrabel’s Diplomatic Reaction to The Athletic’s Internal Review of Dianna Russini
Mike Vrabel carefully navigated his way around questions regarding his offseason scandal involving former Athletic employee, Dianna Russini.
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Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini (Image via IMAGO)
Mike Vrabel chose a diplomatic route when reporters asked about the Athletic’s latest report on his involvement in the Dianna Russini scandal. Vrabel said he’s focused on the New England Patriots’ opening-day game against defending Super Bowl champions Seattle Seahawks.
On September 3, The Athletic released its latest round of reports on its investigation into former employee Dianna Russini. During the investigation, the publication reviewed 903 stories, 204 podcast episodes, 77 videos and interviewed approximately 14 staffers.
According to their findings, Russini violated the company’s conflict-of-interest rules by failing to disclose her relationship with Vrabel. The publications also discovered traces of malpractice. Some of the pieces warrant further scrutiny, including one item that did not meet sourcing standards.
However, Athletic did not find any evidence that Russini used her platform to promote Vrabel or help his teams (the Patriots, the Cleveland Browns, and the Tennessee Titans). They will continue to investigate and release more evidence at a later date.
On Thursday, reporters asked Vrabel to give his honest opinion on The Athletic’s piece.
No, I don’t have any reaction. We’re moved on and focused on Seattle and focused on the Patriots and focused on getting better this week.
Mike Vrabel said
#Patriots HC Mike Vrabel says they’ve moved on after being asked about The Athletic’s internal review of Dianna Russini.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 3, 2026
“No, I don’t have any reaction. We’re moved on and focused on Seattle and focused on the Patriots and focused on getting better this week.” https://t.co/US0kWIgN8h pic.twitter.com/j2k8tBsZAy
In April, the New York Post published compromising photographs of Vrabel and Russini, both married to different people. Although Vrabel dismissed the clicks as harmless interaction, the situation quickly escalated as other publications published more evidence. TMZ even uploaded a video that revealed Russini and Vrabel getting cozy on a private boat.
The Athletic launched an investigation. Russini handed in her resignation without hearing the results. Later, independent journalists Pablo Torre and Tony Farmer dug deeper into the scandal. Torre, a former ESPN reporter, discovered that Russini invited a number of NFL coaches to pool parties, including Vrabel, which raised ample eyebrows.
When mainstream media companies did not cover the story on the channel, Farmer started an online petition to put pressure on them. Even Super Bowl-winning quarterback Aaron Rodgers called out ESPN for refusing to take much interest in finding out more about its former employee.
Vrabel underwent rehab in an attempt to reconcile with his family. Russini went off the grid. According to reports, she still lives with her husband, and they recently went on a cruise.
Patriots icon sends clear message to Mike Vrabel regarding Christian Gonzalez’s contract extension
24-year-old Christian Gonzalez is among the top cornerbacks. While his peers got paid by their respective teams, Gonzalez has yet to receive his check.
Gonzalez had 69 tackles, 10 pass deflections, and one TFL. In the Super Bowl, Gonzo locked down the Seattle receivers. He only allowed one pass completion in four quarters. Pro Football Focus gave him a 68.4 grade.
Gonzalez still has two more years left on his rookie deal after the Patriots activated his fifth-year option earlier in the year. However, reports indicate that they are not close to signing an extension.
Patriots Hall of Famer Rodney Harrison urged Vrabel and the Patriots to tie Christian Gonzalez down to a long-term contract as soon as possible.
If you don’t send a message now, or if you let Christian out of here, or make him play on the current deal, that sends a terrible message. The last thing you want is a negative mark like that, to have a young player like Christian Gonzalez, and not pay him. If I’m a free agent with the Buffalo Bills or the Dallas Cowboys, I’m not going to the Patriots. [ ], they won’t pay Christian Gonzalez. He showed the world how good he was.
Harrison said via MassLive
The Patriots kick off their 2026 NFL season on the road against last year’s Super Bowl opponents, the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle is 3.5 point favorites to secure a win.
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