New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel won’t face any consequences from the NFL after making headlines alongside former New York Times reporter Dianna Russini. Days before the league’s official decision was announced, Russini announced her resignation from the NYT, revealing that her focus had shifted to protecting her family and her professional career. Her statement quickly spread online, garnering fiery responses from Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy and another female sports journalist, Crissy Froyd.
Social Media Users Torch New England Head Coach Mike Vrabel After NFL Announces He’s Off The Hook In Dianna Russini Scandal
According to ESPN‘s Ben Strauss, Vrabel is off the hook after questionable photos of him with Russini went viral. Brian McCarthy, a league spokesperson, said the NFL wouldn’t look further into whether Vrabel violated the league’s personal conduct policy, which states that all affiliates must not participate in “conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in” the league.
For those who need a refresher, Vrabel and Russini sparked a frenzy on Saturday, March 28, 2026, when photos of them at a flashy Arizona resort were shared online. The pictures are stunning, showing the pair hugging, holding hands, and even lying by the pool. A source said the pair even spent a night on the roof of the resort, inside one of the $2,100/night two-person bungalows, according to The Blast.
NFL Fans Are Confused How Mike Vrabel Avoided Punishment After Being Spotted With Russini
The league’s decision has caused confusion among viewers, with some opening up about it online.
“So coaches can have sexual relationships with reporters to get insider information on other teams. Interesting…” someone wrote, while another said they weren’t surprised Vrabel was given a pass. “He’s a white coach,” they posted. “Let that have been a Black coach or a player, he would’ve been dragged every day in every way.”
A third user expressed their frustration with the league’s handling of the situation, calling it “misogynistic.”
Another user suggested the league may have overlooked this issue because it could have a ripple effect.
“If cheating on your wife was a policy, the fines would be crazy,” they wrote, while another said that “half the league would be in trouble.”
Russini Steps Down From The Athletic After Photos Of Her With Mike Vrabel Garner National Attention
The photos of Russini and Vrabel, who are both married to other people, caused many to question the nature and appropriateness of their relationship.
Vrabel denied the allegations, stating, “These photos show a completely innocent interaction, and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn’t deserve any further response.”
The New York Times initially defended Russini against the claims; however, sources say the publication began investigating the NFL insider after learning more details about her stay in Arizona, ultimately leading to her resignation.
“I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published,” Russini’s letter, shared online, read. “When the Page Six item first appeared, The Athletic supported me unequivocally, expressed confidence in my work and pride in my journalism. For that, I am grateful. In the days that followed, unfortunately, commentators in various media have engaged in self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from the facts.”
Russini’s Resignation Receives Backlash From Public Figures, Specifically Dave Portnoy
If we’re just being honest this explanation really makes zero sense. I don’t think anybody should lose their job over alleged canoodling but this statement makes it seem like there was definitely canoodling happening. An innocent canoodler would prob welcome a thorough… https://t.co/HCoSBoZ9Ty
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) April 14, 2026
If Russini hoped her resignation would quiet the noise, it did quite the opposite. In fact, it garnered a response from one of the internet’s loudest personalities, Dave Portnoy.
On X, the 49-year-old questioned whether Russini was completely truthful in her statement, saying that it made “zero sense.”
He went on to say that people shouldn’t lose their jobs over “alleged canoodling.” However, according to Portnoy, Russini’s statement “makes it seem like there was definitely canoodling happening.”
“An innocent canoodler would prob welcome a thorough investigation to prove their innocence and exonerate themselves right? This screams guilty canoodler to me,” he finished.
A Female Reporter Was Fired Over Critical Comments About Russini
Adding fuel to the fire, former USA Today contracter Crissy Froyd also opened up about Russini’s resignation. In her post, the journalist seemed to imply Russini has fostered alleged inappropriate relationships with NFL leaders before Vrabel.
“I’m sure you were told to submit this or that you’d get fired instead,” she wrote on X. “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out. We know who you really are and what you’ve been up to for years. It does so much detriment to women in sports who have done things the right way.”
Froyd’s bold statement landed her in trouble of her own, according to PEOPLE. USA Today fired the LSU alum, saying her “statements do not reflect our commitment to professionalism or uphold our principles of ethical conduct.”