Dianna Russini Addresses Mike Vrabel Affair Scandal in Leaked Texts to a Reporter

Dianna Russini broke her silence on the Mike Vrabel scandal in texts to a reporter, only to learn the comments weren’t off the record.

The former NFL insider for The Athletic reportedly told a New York Times reporter via text in May that she faced “intense scrutiny and personal attacks” following a report that she and the New England Patriots coach had spent time together at a resort in Arizona.

“This has had a significant impact on my life, both professionally and personally,” Russini wrote, referring to herself as an ex-journalist, according to a story published by the Times on Wednesday, June 24.

Russini, 43, asked the reporter not to quote her, but was told no off-the-record agreement had been made. She then objected and emailed The Athletic publisher David Perpich, along with two senior Times editors, to share her wish not to be quoted, as per the outlet.

The texts mark the only real insight into Russini’s mindset since she resigned from The Athletic in April. Both she and Vrabel are married with children and remain with their partners.

The story first broke when Page Six published photos on April 7 showing the two holding hands and sitting close together in a pool at the Ambiente resort in Sedona, Arizona.

Russini pushed back at the time, saying the photos didn’t capture the full picture.

“The photos don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day,” she told Page Six in April, adding that she was there with friends.

“Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues.”

Vrabel, 50, was even more dismissive in his own statement.

“These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable,” he told the outlet, sharing his side of the story. “This doesn’t deserve any further response.”

The Athletic initially stood by Russini, with executive editor Steve Ginsberg calling the photos “misleading” and lacking “essential context,” as per NBC News.

The outlet later launched an investigation, which remains unresolved. Additional photos surfaced in the following weeks, and Russini resigned on April 14.

The scandal further exploded when photos of the pair kissing in a New York City bar in 2020 were published, while Russini worked for ESPN and Vrabel coached the Titans.

TMZ later released images from a 2021 boating trip, taken while Russini was pregnant with her and husband Kevin Goldschmidt‘s first son.

In her resignation letter, obtained by NBC News on April 14, Russini defended her record.

“I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published,” she wrote, adding that she chose to step down “before my current contract expires on June 30” rather than continue “lending oxygen” to the story.

While Russini stepped away from her six-figure role, Vrabel has not faced any penalty from the NFL or the Patriots.

He skipped Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft and is reportedly seeking counseling, as per ESPN.