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New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel will reportedly skip the team’s pre-draft news conference this week as a spotlight on his relationship with NFL reporter Dianna Russini has brightened.
The NFL is more than a week away from welcoming in the next crop of college football talent into the league. The Patriots have the No. 31 pick in the first round, which begins on April 23.
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New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks to reporters at the NFL’s annual meetings in Phoenix on March 31, 2026. (Ross D. Franklin/AP)
ESPN reported that Vrabel is not expected to speak to reporters before the draft. Patriots executive Eliot Wolf will hold the pre-draft press conference at 2:00 PM ET on Monday.
Photos surfaced on Page Six last week showing Vrabel and Russini getting suspiciously close at an Arizona resort. While The Athletic initially defended Russini, sources familiar with the matter told Pakinomist Digital that the reporter was being investigated.
“After Page Six reached out to Dianna for comment on Tuesday, The Athletic immediately began an investigation. While the apparent behavior in the photos raised questions for Steven and management at The Athletic, an initial review indicated that the photos lacked context, specifically the presence of a larger group of friends,” a source said.
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, Arizona on March 31, 2026. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
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“New details from the Page Six report and information from the investigation raised additional concerns that are now being further reviewed. The investigation is ongoing.”
The source added that Russini’s coverage is being reviewed, which is expected to take time, and she will not report to the outlet in the meantime.
The New York Times declined to comment.
The photos showed Vrabel and Russini holding hands and hugging on the roof of the Sedona resort.
Vrabel defended himself in a statement to Page Six.
Dianna Russini attends the 2026 Fanatics Super Bowl Party at Pier 48 in San Francisco, California on February 7, 2026. (Cindy Ord/Getty Images)
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“These images show a completely innocent interaction and any other suggestion is ridiculous. This does not deserve any further response,” he said.
