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Sedona Today
By the People, for the People
Super Bowl Champion Defends Patriots Coach, NY Times Reporter Over Leaked Photos
LeSean McCoy says there's nothing wrong with the interaction between Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini.
Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:44pm
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A cubist interpretation of the complex relationship between sports journalists and their sources, where the lines between professional and personal can become blurred.Sedona TodaySuper Bowl champion LeSean McCoy has come to the defense of New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and New York Times/The Athletic NFL reporter Dianna Russini after photos of the two together at a resort in Sedona, Arizona were leaked. While many have been critical of the interaction, McCoy says he sees nothing wrong with it, as the two work together professionally.
Why it matters
The leaked photos of Vrabel and Russini have sparked speculation and criticism, raising questions about the boundaries between journalists and their sources. McCoy's defense of the two highlights the nuances of these relationships and the need to avoid jumping to conclusions.
The details
The photos, originally published by the New York Post's Page Six, showed Vrabel and Russini holding hands, hugging, and sitting in a pool together at a resort bungalow in Sedona, Arizona. Both Vrabel and Russini are married to other people, but they have denied any wrongdoing, stating the interaction was completely innocent and that the photos misrepresented what actually occurred.
- The photos were originally published by the New York Post's Page Six on April 9, 2026.
The players
LeSean McCoy
A former NFL running back who won two Super Bowls, with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019 and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020. He played 12 seasons in the NFL, rushing for over 11,000 yards and 73 touchdowns.
Mike Vrabel
The head coach of the New England Patriots, who led the team to the Super Bowl in his first season and was named NFL Coach of the Year for the second time in his career.
Dianna Russini
A reporter for The Athletic who previously worked at ESPN for over eight years. She joined The Athletic in 2023.
What they’re saying
“I like Mike, I love Mike. I mind my business. They work together.”
— LeSean McCoy, Former NFL Running Back
“These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn't deserve any further response.”
— Mike Vrabel, New England Patriots Head Coach
“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.”
— Dianna Russini, NFL Reporter, The Athletic
The takeaway
This case highlights the complex relationships between journalists and their sources, and the need to avoid jumping to conclusions about the nature of those interactions. McCoy's defense of Vrabel and Russini suggests that sometimes, an innocent interaction can be misconstrued, and that we should be careful about making assumptions without all the facts.
