Patriots Stockpile Draft Capital Ahead of 2026 NFL Selection
Patriots hold 11 draft picks for 2026 NFL Draft selection.
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Mike Vrabel Dianna Russini Scandal
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and NFL journalist Dianna Russini faced scrutiny in April 2026 after photos emerged showing them together at an adults-only resort in Arizona. Russini resigned from The Athletic following an internal investigation, while the NFL declined to review Vrabel's conduct. Both denied impropriety, with Vrabel characterizing the photos as innocent and Russini stating they lacked context.
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2026-08-18 to 2026-11-15 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 19 Apr, 02:06 UTC
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What happened
Dianna Russini resigns from The Athletic following scandal
Dianna Russini, senior NFL insider at The Athletic, resigned from the publication following an investigation into her relationship with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. Russini had previously worked at ESPN beginning in 2023 before joining The Athletic.
New England Patriots issue statement of support for Mike Vrabel
The New England Patriots released a statement before the first round of the 2026 NFL draft expressing full support for head coach Mike Vrabel's decision to prioritize his family and well-being. The team stated they respect his commitment to seeking counseling and his communication with the personnel staff regarding draft evaluations.
NFL declines to investigate Mike Vrabel over relationship with reporter
The National Football League announced it will not investigate Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel's behavior regarding his relationship with reporter Dianna Russini, despite the publication of photos showing them together at an Arizona resort.
Patriots hold 11 draft picks in 2026 NFL draft
The New England Patriots, the Super Bowl runner-up, entered the 2026 NFL draft holding 11 total selections: one pick in the first round (No. 31 overall), two picks in the second and third rounds (Nos. 64 and 95 overall), and eight picks on Day 3 across rounds four through seven.
Photos published showing Patriots coach Mike Vrabel and reporter Dianna Russini together at Arizona resort in March 2020
Photos were published showing New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and NFL reporter Dianna Russini together at an Arizona resort in Sedona before the NFL annual meetings that began in Phoenix on March 29, 2020. The photos were published by the New York Post and Page Six on April 8, 2026 (16 days before the 2026 NFL draft). Both Vrabel and Russini are married individuals.
Mike Vrabel announces decision to miss Day 3 of 2026 NFL draft
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel declared his intention to sit out the final day of the 2026 NFL draft (Saturday) in a late-night statement on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. He will be absent from the draft facility while the team selects eight times on Day 3, including twice in the fourth round, once in the fifth, four times in the sixth, and once in the seventh round.
Dianna Russini resigns from The Athletic
Dianna Russini, lead NFL reporter for The Athletic, resigned on April 14 following an investigation by The Athletic, which is owned by The New York Times, into the nature of her relationship with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel. In her departure statement, Russini stated she had covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout her career. The Athletic indicated it would continue its standards review of her work after her departure.
Mike Vrabel to miss Day 3 of 2026 NFL Draft
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel will not be present with the team on Saturday, the third and final day of the 2026 NFL Draft. He plans to be with his family outside of Massachusetts during that time. The team will have eight of its 11 total draft picks on that day, with executives Eliot Wolf and Ryan Cowden overseeing draft operations in his absence.
Mike Vrabel commits to seeking counseling starting weekend
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel announced on Wednesday, April 22 that he has committed to seeking counseling starting that weekend. He stated this decision was made to ensure he could be the best version of himself as a husband, father, and coach, and said he believes in leading by example.
Photos surface of Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini at Arizona resort
The New York Post published photos on April 7 showing Patriots coach Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini, former NFL reporter for The Athletic, together at the Ambiente resort in Sedona, Arizona. The images showed the two individuals hugging and lounging poolside in bathing suits. Both Vrabel and Russini are married to other people. The photos emerged ahead of the NFL's annual league meeting in Phoenix.
Mike Vrabel addresses situation in first public remarks
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel spoke to reporters on Tuesday for the first time since photos of him with Dianna Russini were published. He did not answer questions about Russini specifically, but stated he had held difficult conversations with his family, the Patriots organization, coaches, and players. He characterized these conversations as positive and productive, and emphasized the importance of making good decisions both on and off the field.
Photos show Patriots coach Mike Vrabel and reporter Dianna Russini together at Arizona resort
Page Six published photographs of New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and NFL reporter Dianna Russini taken on March 28 at the Ambiente hotel in Sedona, Arizona. The images showed the pair holding hands, hugging, sunbathing by a pool, and in a hot tub. Both individuals are married to other people. Three eyewitnesses told Page Six they did not see other people with the duo, contradicting claims by Russini that a group of six people were present.
Dianna Russini resigns from The Athletic following scandal
Dianna Russini, 43, submitted her resignation from The Athletic, a digital sports outlet, on April 14. In her resignation letter, Russini stated she decided to step aside before her contract expired on June 30, citing unwillingness to submit to further public scrutiny. She maintained that the narrative constructed around the episode was inaccurate and that she refused to lend further attention to it. The Athletic's executive editor Steven Ginsberg confirmed her departure, noting that additional information had emerged during the organization's internal investigation.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel addresses scandal in first public comments
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel spoke publicly for the first time on April 21 regarding photographs showing him with NFL reporter Dianna Russini at an Arizona resort. Vrabel characterized the situation as a 'personal and private matter' and stated he had 'difficult conversations' with his family, the organization, coaches, and players, describing those conversations as 'positive and productive.' He emphasized the importance of making good decisions and ensuring his actions do not negatively affect the team or cause distraction.
Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini deny improper relationship
Following the publication of photographs showing them together, both Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini denied that their relationship was anything other than professional. Vrabel stated the photos showed 'a completely innocent interaction' and that suggestions otherwise were 'laughable.' Russini claimed the photos did not represent the full group of six people who were present and noted that journalists in the NFL regularly interact with sources away from stadiums.
The Athletic launches investigation into Dianna Russini
The Athletic initiated an internal investigation into the conduct of reporter Dianna Russini following the publication of photographs showing her with Mike Vrabel at an Arizona resort. Executive editor Steven Ginsberg stated that 'additional information emerged' which 'raised new questions' that became part of the investigation. The investigation was ongoing when Russini subsequently resigned from her position.
Mike Vrabel addresses controversy at Patriots press conference
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel held a press conference on Tuesday at the team's facility during the offseason workout program to address the published photos. Vrabel stated he had 'difficult conversations with people I care about,' including his family, coaching staff, and players. He described these conversations as 'positive and productive' and emphasized the importance of making good decisions on and off the field. Vrabel also said he spoke candidly with players on Monday before addressing reporters publicly.
NFL confirms no investigation into Mike Vrabel's conduct
The NFL announced it is not investigating Mike Vrabel's behavior as a potential violation of the league's Personal Conduct Policy. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy confirmed to The Associated Press that the league is not looking into the matter, allowing Vrabel to remain fully engaged in team activities.
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel won Super Bowl with team last season
Mike Vrabel, age 50, led the New England Patriots to a 14-3 record in his first season as head coach, culminating in a Super Bowl appearance. The Patriots lost the Super Bowl to the Seattle Seahawks. Vrabel previously won three Super Bowls as a player with New England.
Photos of Patriots coach Mike Vrabel and NFL reporter Dianna Russini published by New York Post
Photos of New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and NFL reporter Dianna Russini at a Sedona, Arizona resort were published by the New York Post. The photos were taken before the NFL annual meetings that began in Phoenix on March 29. Both individuals are married. The photos showed them together at the private resort, including images of them sunbathing, in a hot tub, and on a bungalow roof holding hands and embracing.
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2 alternative perspectives
Patriots Organization Stands Behind Vrabel Amid Institutional Fallout
Patriots backed Vrabel while NFL declined investigation and Russini resigned from The Athletic.
Vrabel Commits to Counseling as Scandal Aftermath Unfolds
Vrabel seeks counseling and skips NFL Draft Day 3 as personal response to controversy.
Russini's Resignation Concludes Following Athletic's Internal Investigation
Russini resigns from The Athletic after internal investigation into her professional conduct.
Vrabel Addresses Controversy at Patriots Press Conference Following Photos
Vrabel addresses photos scandal at press conference; NFL declines investigation.
Journalist Resigns After Photos With Patriots Coach Emerge
Journalist Dianna Russini resigned after photos with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel emerged; NFL declined review.