NFL Reporter Dianna Russini Resigns After Leaked Photos With Patriots Coach

Russini and Vrabel were photographed together at an adult-only resort, raising questions about journalistic integrity.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 3:10am

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An abstract, vibrant painting in the style of LeRoy Neiman, with rapid brushstrokes and neon colors capturing the raw energy and movement of a sports scene, with figures and details dissolving into unrecognizable splatters.The scandal over an NFL reporter's relationship with a coach raises questions about journalistic integrity in the high-stakes world of professional sports.Sedona Today

Longtime NFL reporter Dianna Russini resigned from her position at The Athletic on April 14 after incriminating photos surfaced of her and New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel at an adult-only resort in Sedona, Arizona. Both Russini and Vrabel are married, and the photos have sparked a scandal over journalistic ethics and conflicts of interest.

Why it matters

The scandal raises questions about the boundaries between sports reporters and the coaches they cover, as well as the expectations around journalistic integrity. It also comes at a sensitive time for the Patriots as they prepare for the upcoming NFL draft.

The details

The photos, posted by the New York Post's Page Six, show Russini and Vrabel holding hands, hugging, and sitting together in a hot tub at the Ambiente resort in Sedona. Both left the resort separately after their stay. Russini has been married to Kevin Goldschmidt since 2020, while Vrabel has been married to Jen Vrabel since 1999 and they have two sons together.

  • The photos were posted online on April 7.
  • Russini resigned from her position at The Athletic on April 14.

The players

Dianna Russini

A longtime NFL reporter who resigned from her position at The Athletic after the photos with Mike Vrabel surfaced.

Mike Vrabel

The head coach of the New England Patriots, who was named the 2025 NFL Coach of the Year.

Kevin Goldschmidt

Dianna Russini's husband since 2020.

Jen Vrabel

Mike Vrabel's wife since 1999, with whom he has two sons.

Christine Brennan

A pioneering female sports journalist who commented on the scandal, saying Russini should have resigned.

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What they’re saying

“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

“I'm glad Russini resigned. She should. It is incumbent on the journalist, male or female, to conduct themselves in an ethical and upstanding way because their responsibility is for their readers and their listeners.”

— Christine Brennan, Female Sports Journalism Pioneer

What’s next

The first round of the 2026 NFL draft is nearly one week away, and the Patriots are doing everything they can to keep their focus on getting back to the Super Bowl. But the scandal is unlikely to fade from public attention soon.

The takeaway

This scandal highlights the importance of maintaining clear boundaries between sports reporters and the coaches they cover, as well as the need for journalists to uphold the highest standards of ethics and integrity. It serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of blurring those lines.