New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel and national NFL reporter Dianna Russini are downplaying the significance of photos taken of them together at an Arizona resort last month that were recently published by the New York Post.
The photos show the two in bathing suits at a pool and also hugging on a rooftop at the Ambiente in Sedona, Arizona, two weekends ago. Both Vrabel, 50, and Russini, 43, are married to other people.
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“These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable,” Vrabel told the Post. “This doesn’t deserve any further response.”
Russini also issued a statement: “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, a former anchor and reporter for ESPN, joined the Athletic as a national NFL reporter in 2023 and hosts its “Scoop City: Inside the NFL” podcast.
“These photos are misleading and lack essential context,” said Steven Ginsberg, executive editor of The Athletic. “These were public interactions in front of many people. Dianna is a premier journalist covering the NFL and we’re proud to have her at The Athletic.”
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According to the Post, Vrabel had attended a scouting event at Arizona State University on Friday, March 27, before arriving at the Ambiente.
Both Vrabel and Russini were later in attendance at the annual NFL league meetings, which ran the following Sunday through Tuesday, March 29-31, in Phoenix.
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks to reporters during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore on March 31.
Vrabel, a Super Bowl-winning player with the Patriots, is entering his second season as New England’s head coach. He led the team to a 14-3 record and a Super Bowl appearance last season, and was named NFL coach of the year.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mike Vrabel, Dianna Russini downplay photos of them together at resort
