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New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel will not be investigated by the league for a potential violation of the NFL’s personal conduct policy after he and top NFL reporter Dianna Russini were photographed together at an exclusive Arizona resort, sparking questions about their relationship.
Brian McCarthy, NFL spokesperson told ESPN in an exclusive report detailing allegations against Russini and Vrabel, both married to different people, that the Patriots’ second-year coach will not be vetted by the league.
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel watches the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on August 21, 2025. (Vincent Carchietta/Imagn Images)
“NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said the league is not reviewing Vrabel’s behavior under the league’s personal conduct policy, which states that players, coaches and executives are required to avoid ‘conduct detrimental to the integrity and public trust in the National Football League,'” ESPN reported.
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Photos published by Page Six of the New York Post earlier this month showed Vrabel and Russini, who worked at The Athletic at the time, at an intimate adults-only resort in Arizona during NFL league meetings. The two were seen hugging, holding hands and sitting poolside in swimsuits.
The hotel was two hours from where the league meetings were held.
Both Russini and Vrabel have denied any wrongdoing. Russini argued that there were several other people “hanging around during the day” who were not captured in the photographs. Vrabel added that the photos “show a completely innocent interaction.”
Dianna Russini attends the Fanatics Super Bowl Party 2026 at Pier 48 in San Francisco, California on February 7, 2026. (Cindy Ord/Getty Images)
PATRIOTS COACH MIKE VRABEL RESPONDS AFTER PHOTOS WITH LEAKED NEW YORK TIMES NFL REPORTER
But according to ESPN’s latest report, Russini “coordinated with Vrabel on how to respond to the Post.” She also reportedly “consulted advisors, including a veteran of crisis communications,” after learning of the story.
The Athletic, which is owned by the New York Times, initially supported Russini but later launched an investigation into his reporting. On Tuesday, she announced her resignation.
“I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every article I have published. When the Page Six article first appeared, The Athletic unequivocally supported me, expressed confidence in my work and pride in my journalism. For that, I am grateful. In the days since, unfortunately, commentators in various media outlets have engaged in self-perpetuating speculation that is simply not rooted in the facts,” his letter to The Athletic editor Steven Ginsberg read.
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks to reporters during the NFL annual meetings in Phoenix on March 31, 2026. (Ross D. Franklin/AP)
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“Moreover, this media frenzy is unleashed without regard to the review process that The Athletic is attempting to carry out. It continues to escalate, fueled by repeated leaks, and I have no interest in subjecting myself to a public inquiry that has already caused far more damage than I am willing to accept. Rather than allow this to continue, I have decided to step down now – before my current contract expires on June 30. I am not doing this because I accept the narrative that was built around this episode, but because I refuse to give it more oxygen or let it define me or my career.
According to Ginsberg’s response to his resignation letter, The Athletic’s review of Russini will continue.
His contract with the store was set to expire in June.
