Leaked photos with Diana Russini may force New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel to address the controversy with the team.
This was reported by NBC Sports Boston reporter Michael Holley, quoting an unnamed former player, whose message is clear.
“I talked to a former player, and he said, ‘After all, they won’t want to answer,'” the journalist said, reflecting on the drama, and suggesting the matter would not go down in the locker room.
“You think Mike Vrabel can suppress this without talking to the players? Coaches don’t treat us like they treat the media,” Holley says.
Vrabel, who has been coaching the New England Patriots since last year, has his reputation at stake, indicating to the reporter that his way out is to explain the matter to his squad.
“I think Vrabel has to say something to his team. I think he has to respond to something that’s been in the news for a while. He has to say something to the team for his credibility.”
But in stark contrast to Holley’s portrayal, Patriots EVP of Player Personnel, Eliot Wolf, insists despite the controversy, Vrabel is still deeply involved in team business ahead of the NFL Draft.
“(Mike) is very involved. Business as usual,” he said at a press conference, adding, “He’s been there with us, probably in this round of meetings, a little bit more than last year.”
Dianne Russini resigns from The Athletic
Rasini, on the other hand, stepped down in the wake of the internal investigation. athleticDismissing rumors of an affair with Vrabel.
“I am doing so (resigning) not because I accept the narrative constructed around this episode, but because I refuse to give it any more oxygen or let it define me or my career,” she wrote in the letter.
“I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story we’ve ever published.”
“This media frenzy is moving forward rapidly without regard to the review process The Athletic is trying to accomplish.”
“Rather than allow this to continue, I have decided to resign my position – before my current contract expires on June 30,” the letter concluded.
