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Mike Vrabel Back With Patriots as Players and Fans Rally

Russini’s exit from The Athletic underscores fallout beyond football.

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Head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots addresses the media prior to Super Bowl LX at the Santa Clara Marriott on February 05, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Vrabel, who missed Day 3 of the NFL Draft to start counseling, returned to work Monday as ESPN’s Adam Schefter showed him back at the Patriots’ facility.
  • The controversy escalated after tabloids published photos from a Sedona resort in late March and a New York City bar in 2020 that showed him with reporter Dianna Russini.
  • Speaking to reporters Tuesday, captains Hunter Henry and Robert Spillane said they support their coach and plan to keep the focus on football.
  • At a season-ticket holder event this week, fans gave Vrabel a standing ovation, with videos on social media showing a warm reception at Gillette Stadium.
  • The Patriots issued a statement backing Vrabel, and the NFL said it would not open a personal-conduct investigation, leaving any discipline to the team.