NFL analyst Chris Simms was shut down mid-sentence while discussing the Dianna Russini and Mike Vrabel photo scandal during his “Pro Football Talk” appearance on NBC Sports.
“It’s the biggest story in the NFL,” Simms said on the episode, according to a video of the segment circulating on social media.
“I’d shoot you straight. These are things that I’ve been texting with my friends in the coaching world. Even their wives are involved in the conversation.”
However, Simms was quickly interrupted by Mike Florio, who shut down the commentary with a reminder to “stay on target” — a niche “Star Wars” reference meant to steer him away from the segment.
“Look, there’s a lot there. And, there’s only so much that is reported and known,” Florio explained.
The exchange comes shortly after Russini resigned from her post with the Athletic amid an internal investigation after Page Six exclusively published photos of the journalist with the Patriots coach.
“I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published,” she wrote in a letter obtained by Page Six Tuesday.
“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 continued.
The sports reporter added that she chose to leave her post to stop the ongoing speculation around the situation.
“Moreover, this media frenzy is hurtling forward without regard for the review process The Athletic is trying to complete. It continues to escalate, fueled by repeated leaks, and I have no interest in submitting to a public inquiry that has already caused far more damage than I am willing to accept,” she wrote.
“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.”
Last month, Russini and Vrabel — who are both married to other people — found themselves under public scrutiny after they were spotted together at boutique resort Ambiente in Sedona, Arizona.
Photos exclusively obtained by Page Six showed the two hugging at sunset, and weaving their fingers together as they stood face-to-face.
At the time, a source told us that the pair spent the day together on March 28, doing breakfast on the patio of the hotel restaurant, then hanging out by the pool for an hour or so before hitting the hot tub.
The eyewitness later caught Vrabel and Russini again that evening. The duo sat down for a romantic night on the private rooftop of one of the hotel’s bungalows.
Both Vrabel and Russini responded to the photos in separate statements to Page Six.
Vrabel told us, “These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn’t deserve any further response.”
Russini also told us, “The photos don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day. Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues.”
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