Mike Vrabel has admitted he’s been forced to have ‘difficult conversations with people I care about’ as he addressed the Dianna Russini photo scandal for the first time on Tuesday.
The New England Patriots coach, 50, has come under scrutiny over the past two weeks after he was embroiled in controversy following the publication of photos of him and NFL insider Russini.
The suggestive photos showed the female sports reporter, 43, and Vrabel hugging, lounging poolside and laughing together at a $2,500-per-night adults-only getaway in Sedona, Arizona.
Speaking to reporters as the Patriots started their offseason program, an emotional Vrabel said: ‘I’ve had some difficult conversations with people I care about about – with my family, the organization, the coaches, the players.
‘Those have been positive and productive. We believe that in order to be successful on and off the field, you have to make good decisions. That includes me. That starts with me.
Mike Vrabel has admitted he’s been forced to have ‘difficult conversations with people I care about’ as he addressed the Dianna Russini photo scandal for the first time on Tuesday
Suggestive photos showed the female sports reporter and Vrabel hugging at a Sedona hotel
Russini was placed on leave, The Daily Mail learned, before ultimately resigning last week
‘We never want our actions to negatively affect team, we never want to cause a distraction. I care deeply about this football team and I’m excited to coach them. I’m going to attack each day with humility and focus.
‘What I can promise you is that my family, this organization, the team, the staff, the coaches, everybody, our fans most importantly, will get the best version of me going forward.’
Despite the scandal, the NFL has decided not to investigate Vrabel’s behavior as part of the league’s personal conduct policy, NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy told ESPN.
The NFL’s personal conduct policy states that players, coaches and executives are required to avoid ‘conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the National Football League.’
It is currently unclear if the Patriots – Vrabel’s team – intend to review his relationship with Russini.
However, while Vrabel appears to emerging from the scandal unscathed, Russini was placed on leave, The Daily Mail learned, before ultimately resigning last week. Her contract was reportedly set to expire at the end of June.
As The Daily Mail previously reported, the New York Times, which owns The Athletic, launched an investigation into the photos when contacted by Page Six, who published the photos last week.
A defiant Russini insisted that her resignation does not mean she crossed the line with Vrabel.
‘I do so [resign] 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,’ she said.
‘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.’
More to follow.
