NFL fans haven’t been able to stop talking about Dianna Russini and Mike Vrabel ever since Page Six released pictures of the two holding hands and hugging at a resort last month.
More headline-making photos, including a series of cozy bar snaps from six years ago, went viral in subsequent weeks as the scandal intensified.
At the time the 2020 photos were snapped, Vrabel was coaching the Tennessee Titans, a team Russini extensively covered as an NFL reporter for ESPN.
Russini left ESPN in 2023 to join the Athletic (a sports department of the New York Times) and launched her and co-host Chase Daniel’s “Scoop City” podcast the following year.
As for Vrabel, he became the New England Patriots coach in 2025.
He has been married to wife Jen Vrabel since 1999, while Russini wed husband Kevin Goldschmidt in 2020. Both couples have two children.
Below, Page Six breaks down the full timeline of the scandal that has rocked the NFL.
April 7, 2026: Russini and Vrabel resort photos are published
Page Six published photographs on April 7, 2026, of Russini and Vrabel at the boutique Ambiente resort in Sedona, Arizona, the previous month.
In the shots, taken on March 28, 2026, the duo lounged poolside and took a hot tub dip after having breakfast together.
That evening, the pair were photographed holding hands and hugging at sunset on a private rooftop of one of the hotel’s bungalows — and an eyewitness told us they briefly danced.
While multiple eyewitnesses told Page Six that Vrabel and Russini were alone, the two insisted they were joined by friends on the trip and at the resort.
“The photos don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day,” Russini told Page Six in a statement at the time. “Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues.”
The coach, for his part, said in his own statement, “These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn’t deserve any further response.”
A source close to Vrabel — who was at an Arizona State University scouting event in Tempe, Arizona, 125 miles away on Friday, March 27 — claimed the former NFL player drove to Sedona for the day with his pals and returned to his own hotel after spending time with Russini and her friends.
Russini was on a hiking trip in Sedona with two female friends, according to an insider close to the sports reporter.
April 9, 2026: Russini returns to social media
Russini returned to social media to write a since-deleted tweet — unrelated to the scandal — on April 9, 2026, amid rampant headlines.
She shared a link to an article published by her colleague Mike Jones about NFL replacement officials.
“The NFL informed its teams about when they could expect to see replacement officials visiting facilities if a deal is not reached by next month, when the current CBA with the NFL Referees Association expires,” she wrote.
April 10, 2026: The New York Times begins Russini investigation
On April 10, 2026, Page Six reported that Russini had been sidelined by the New York Times as the publication “began an investigation” into the situation and “review[ed her] coverage.”
“While the apparent conduct in the photos raised questions for [the Athletic executive editor Steven Ginsberg] and leadership at the Athletic, an initial review suggested the images provided lacked context, specifically the presence of a larger group of friends,” a source told us.
“New details from the Page Six report and information from the investigation raised additional concerns that are now being reviewed further. The investigation is ongoing.”
April 14, 2026: Russini resigns from the Athletic
Russini resigned from her role with the Athletic four days later.
In her resignation letter to Ginsberg on April 14, 2026, Russini insisted she “covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication” throughout her career.
“I stand behind every story I have ever published. 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,” she continued.
“In the days that followed, unfortunately, commentators in various media have engaged in self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from the facts. Moreover, this media frenzy is hurtling forward without regard for the review process.”
Russini added that she had “no interest in submitting to a public inquiry that has already caused far more damage than [she was] willing to accept.”
She concluded, “Rather than allowing this to continue, I have decided to step aside now — before my current contract expires on June 30. I do so not because I accept the narrative that has been constructed around this episode, but because I refuse to lend it further oxygen or to let it define me or my career.”
In a memo confirming Russini’s resignation, Ginsberg noted, “We will continue a standards review of Dianna’s work that [the Athletic’s Editorial Director for Standards and Editorial Quality] Mike Semel is leading.”
April 18, 2026: ESPN report drops — and NFL addresses the scandal
As for the NFL, the organization reached a disciplining decision regarding Vrabel on April 18, 2026.
ESPN reported at the time that “NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy said the NFL was not looking into the New England Patriots head coach’s behavior as part of its personal conduct policy.”
The policy states that players, coaches and executives must avoid “conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the National Football League.”
Their statement came on the heels of ESPN’s Ben Strauss publishing a lengthy report on the fallout from Page Six’s photos.
He claimed Russini spoke with a crisis communicator, Times Company chief executive officer Meredith Kopit Levien and Vrabel when she found out about the pictures.
April 21, 2026: Vrabel finally breaks his silence
Vrabel spoke to reporters about the “personal and private matter” for the first time during a pre-NFL Draft press conference on April 21, 2026.
“I understand I could have addressed you sooner, but it was important to me I have a conversation with the players, which I did yesterday very candidly, as we began our off-season program, which everyone is excited to be a part of,” he began, adding that he’d also had “difficult” but “positive and productive” talks about the situation with his family.
“We believe in order to be successful on and off the field, you have to make good decisions. That includes me. That starts with me. We never want our actions to negatively affect the team. We never want to be the cause of a distraction.”
Vrabel’s statement concluded, “I care deeply about this football team, and I’m excited to coach them. I also know that I’m gonna attack each day with humility and focus. What I can promise you is my family, this organization, this team, the staff, the coaches and the fans most importantly, will get the best version of me going forward.”
April 22, 2026: More resort photos come to light
On April 22, 2026, Page Six published more exclusive photos of Russini and Vrabel at the Sedona resort — this time, having breakfast together.
Sources close to Russini and Vrabel alleged their friends were also present for the morning meal.
However, multiple eyewitnesses told us that the duo ate alone on March 28.
One insider claimed that Russini and Vrabel attempted to go incognito while walking around the luxury hotel throughout the day.
“One of them would go ahead, and then the other would wait for a few seconds or so, and then they would follow a few steps ahead,” the source alleged, claiming the two “really didn’t want to be seen walking together.”
April 23, 2026: Vrabel seeks counseling
Vrabel released a statement to ESPN at 12:10 a.m. on April 23, 2026 — hours ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft — revealing he would not be present for Day 3.
“I promised my family, this organization and this team that I was going to give them the best version of me that I can possibly give them. In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend,” he explained.
“This is something that I have given a lot of thought to and is something I would advise a player to do if I was counseling them. I have always wanted to lead by example, and I believe this is what I have to do to be the best husband, father and coach that I possibly can be.”
The former athlete concluded, “This is not an easy thing for me to admit, but it is one that I know will make me a better person. I appreciate the support that everyone has given me and promise a stronger resolve as a result.”
Vrabel’s statement came on the heels of Page Six reaching out for comment on newly uncovered PDA-filled photos of himself and Russini in 2020.
April 23, 2026: PDA pics from 2020 released
On April 23, 2026, Page Six published newly uncovered pictures of Russini and Vrabel at the Tribeca Tavern in New York City six years ago.
They appeared touchy-feely in the March 11, 2020, shots, which showed them sitting closely together at the dimly lit bar.
“They were kissing and they were all over each other,” an eyewitness told Page Six. “They were having a glorious time. They were [giving each other] pecks, a bunch of pecks, constantly.”
The ex-linebacker was photographed with his hand on Russini’s leg and arm, and our eyewitness saw Russini’s legs “in between [Vrabel’s] legs” during the “hole-in-the-wall” outing.
April 23, 2026: TMZ releases photos of Vrabel and Russini in 2024
TMZ obtained a photograph on April 23, 2026, of Russini and Vrabel at the Beau Rivage Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi, on Jan. 31, 2024.
In the picture — taken “shortly before midnight,” according to the outlet — the duo were all smiles.
The outlet, whose insider observed the pair looked “quite comfortable together,” noted that the 2024 Senior Bowl took place an hour away from the casino in Mobile, Alabama, on Feb. 3.
April 23, 2026: The Patriots stand by Vrabel
A spokesperson for the New England Patriots released a statement to Page Six on April 23, 2026, writing that the team “fully support[s] Mike Vrabel’s decision to prioritize his family first, as well as his own well-being” amid his admission about seeking counseling.
“Mike has been open with us about his commitment to being the best version of himself for his family, this team and our fans, and we respect the steps he is taking to follow through on that commitment,” the organization added of Vrabel, who was hired as head coach for the team in January 2025.
They stressed their “confiden[ce] in the leadership and communication” Vrabel had established with “personnel staff” pre-NFL Draft.
April 23, 2026: Vrabel changes his tune
During an April 23, 2026, pre-draft presser, Vrabel denied being “dismissive” by initially referring to his and Russini’s hand-holding pictures as “laughable.”
“That’s a private and personal matter. I don’t think that those comments … I think that was, you know, I’m always gonna attempt to protect [my] family,” he explained. “I would never be dismissive, but I think my family and this football team are the most important thing.”
The somber coach remained tight-lipped about the scandal throughout the press conference — and, regarding his planned absence on Saturday, April 25, said, “My family needs me this weekend and that’s where I’ll be.”
“I take accountability for my actions and for the actions that caused distraction to the people that I care most about — my family, this football team, the organization and the fans,” he added.
“My previous actions don’t meet the standards that I hold myself to, they don’t — and I think it’s best for the two most important things in my life — my family and my football team — is for us to take the necessary steps to work together and to get done what I told them I’d give them, which is the best version of me.”
April 23, 2026: Vrabel attends Day 1 of the NFL Draft
Vrabel was present for Day 1 of the NFL Draft on April 23, 2026, when the Patriots selected Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu as the 28th overall pick in the first round.
In an awkward video shared via X, Vrabel spoke to the new team member over the phone — and Lomu asked how he was doing.
“I’m doing great, man. Congratulations. We’re excited to have you,” Vrabel replied at the time. “I hope you’re with your family and you’re enjoying this and we can’t wait to get you here and give you a chance to help this football team.”
April 23, 2026: Russini deletes her social media account
Russini deleted her X account on April 23, 2026.
By that evening, her content was no longer visible on the social media platform.
Her Instagram account remains active but is set to private.
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