The NFL’s latest major scandal led to a reporter being pulled from her job. But for the coach involved, it’s ‘business as usual’ in the days leading up to the NFL Draft.
Over a week after Page Six published a series of photographs between The Athletic’s Dianna Russini and New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, there does not appear to be any repercussions for the AFC champion’s boss.
While Russini has been pulled from assignments by her bosses, Patriots EVP of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf confirmed that Vrabel is still a major part of the decision making for the upcoming draft in Pittsburgh.
‘[Mike is] very involved. Business as usual,’ Wolf said in a press conference.
‘He’s been in there with us probably this round of meetings a little bit more than last year.’
Wolf added, ‘He’s been contributing. He’s watched a ton of the players.’
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel is not being reprimanded after rumors of an affair with The Athletic’s Dianna Russini spread when an article with images was published by Page Six
EVP of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf said it’s ‘business as usual’ for Vrabel before the draft
Russini, meanwhile, has been pulled from assignments amid an investigation into her conduct
The photos published by the gossip outlet showed Russini and Vrabel getting close by the pool side before sharing what appeared to be an intimate moment where they hugged, danced and held hands on a roof top.
Both Russini and Vrabel – who are both married to other people – denied that anything nefarious or unfaithful happened between the two of them.
Moreover, they both say they were with friends and were not just alone with each other.
Initially, The Athletic stood by Russini and said that no changes to her schedule would be made. However, the outlet’s parent company – The New York Times – reported that The Athletic is investigating her conduct.
‘The nature of Ms. Russini’s relationship with Mr. Vrabel and her coverage are being reviewed and she will not be reporting while the investigation is underway,’ the Times’ report read.
At the time of the initial report, Russini told Page Six, ‘Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues.’
Vrabel told the outlet that the photos ‘show a completely innocent interaction.’
