New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and The Athletic NFL insider Dianna Russini have responded to a report that showed them holding hands and hugging during a visit to the Ambiente, a hotel in Sedona, Arizona, in late March.
The New York Post published the photos of Russini and Vrabel — who are both married — in an article published Tuesday. They were reportedly spotted having breakfast together on March 28 and subsequently lounging at the hotel’s pool. They were also spotted together during the evening. Both are dismissing the story.
Mike Vrabel, Dianna Russini break silence on hotel photos
“The photos don’t represent the six groups of people who were hanging out during the day. Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues,” Russini said in a statement, per Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports.
Russini’s editor, Steven Ginsberg, also backed her.
“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,” Ginsberg said.
Vrabel conveyed the same message in his comment to the New York Post.
“These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable,” the coach said, per New York Post deputy editor Oli Coleman. “This doesn’t deserve any further response.”
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