New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel and NFL insider Dianna Russini have become embroiled in an adultery scandal, with both sides issuing stern denials of the allegation.
In photos posted on Tuesday by New York Post’s Page Six, the Patriots head coach and the reporter with The Athletic were seen “holding hands and hugging” in an intimate setting at a luxury hotel in Arizona.
In the photos, which reportedly were taken in March, Vrabel and Russini – who are both married to other people – were seen “hugging at sunset and weaving their fingers together as they (stood) face-to-face” before also briefly dancing together.
According to the outlet, the pair were spotted on a private rooftop area of the Ambiente hotel in Sedona, Ariz., which markets itself as a luxury adults-only getaway destination with scenic views of the Brins Mesa mountain range.
The area where they were photographed reportedly is only accessible from two-person bungalows that cost more than $2,100 US per evening.
While sources close to both Vrabel and Russini say they were at the hotel with other friends, the outlet originally reported that it had received claims from three separate eyewitnesses that Vrabel and Russini had not been seen with anyone else at the hotel.
What did Vrabel and Russini say about the claims?
“These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn’t deserve any further response,” Vrabel said in a statement.
“The photos don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day,” Russini told Page Six. “Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues.”
Steven Ginsberg, the executive editor of The Athletic, also came to Russini’s defence, saying: “These photos are misleading and lack essential context. These were public interactions in front of many people. Dianna is a premier journalist covering the NFL and we’re proud to have her at the Athletic.”
Who are their spouses?
According to reports, Vrabel and his wife, Jen, have been married for more than 26 years and have two sons.
Russini has been married to Kevin Goldschmidt, an executive at fast food restaurant Shake Shack, since 2020. They also have two children together.
Russini currently serves as a senior NFL insider with the Athletic, but worked as a beat reporter for ESPN covering the Tennessee Titans during Vrabel’s tenure as head coach of the team.