Photos published this week show New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and NFL reporter Diana Russini together at a luxury resort in Sedona, Arizona, leading to widespread speculation about an inappropriate relationship.
However, in a statement released to the media, Russini said, “The photos do not represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day. Like most NFL reporters, reporters interact with sources away from the stadium and other locations.”
Mike Vrabel said the conversation was “completely innocent” and “laughable” to suggest otherwise.
Russini’s employer, The Athletic, also defended her, calling the photos “misleading” and out of context.
As the controversy continues, unverified rumors from more than a decade ago, involving Russini and former ESPN reporter Britt McHenry, have resurfaced online.
Those claims alleged that the two women clashed while they were covering the Washington Redskins and that she was romantically involved with then-assistant coach Sean McVay.
Neither woman has publicly confirmed the old story.
Sean Patrick McVay is the head coach of the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League. He became the youngest NFL head coach in the modern era when he was hired by the Rams in 2017 at the age of 30 years and 353 days.
