New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel will reportedly not be investigated by the NFL, as the controversial photos with sports journalist Dianna Russini did not violate the league’s personal conduct policy. Meanwhile, Dianna Russini has since resigned from her post at The Athletic. The pair, who are married to other people, were photographed together at an Arizona resort in March 2026.
NFL chief spokesperson talks about Mike Vrabel’s fate
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and former The Athletic journalist Dianna Russini were photographed together at an Arizona resort in March. This kick-started a controversy. Both of them are married to other people.
However, despite the controversy, the NFL will not be investigating Vrabel for his conduct. NFL chief spokesperson Brian McCarthy told ESPN that the league will not be reviewing Vrabel’s behavior. This is part of its personal conduct policy. It requires coaches to avoid “conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the National Football League (via E! News).”
Meanwhile, Russini has already resigned from her position at The Athletic. “I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career. And, I stand behind every story I have ever published,” she wrote in a letter to executive editor Steven Ginsberg (via AP). “Unfortunately, commentators in various media have engaged in self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from the facts.”
Russinni further added about the “media frenzy” surrounding the photographs. She said, “Rather than allowing this to continue, I have decided to step aside now. She added, “before my current contract expires on June 30. I do so 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.”
Russinni has claimed that the photograph does not “represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day.” Vrabel also repeated the claim, saying, “These photos show a completely innocent interaction. This doesn’t deserve any further response (via Page Six).
Originally reported by Sourav Chakraborty on Mandatory.
