NFL reporter Dianna Russini was all business in her return to social media after being involved in a Mike Vrabel photo scandal that sent shockwaves through the sports world.
Russini, 43, took to X on the morning of Thursday, April 9, to share a link to a story by her coworker at The Athletic, Mike Jones, about replacement officials in the NFL.
“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,” Russini wrote.
The insider’s no-nonsense post in the wake of the Vrabel controversy was fodder for football fans in the comments.
Dianna Russini Joked About ‘Marriage Falling Apart’ Before Mike Vrabel Pics
“This is like the good morning text I send to a friend after I blacked out the night before trying to get a gauge on how bad it was,” one person joked.
Another wrote, “Saw a rumor a couple of days ago that Mike Vrabel got caught with a replacement spouse in Sedona. Can you confirm?”
“So we just gonna blow past yesterday like it never happened….bold strategy…let’s see if that works out for you Dianna,” a third commenter said.
Russini and Vrabel, the head coach of the NFL’s New England Patriots, were seen cozying up to one another at a luxe resort in Sedona, Arizona, in photos published by Page Six on Tuesday, April 7.
In the pictures, which were taken weeks ago, Russini and Vrabel, 50, can be seen linking fingers, sunbathing by a pool and sharing a hot tub.
Russini has been married to her husband, Shake Shack executive Kevin Goldschmidt, since 2020. Vrabel has been married to his wife, Jen, since 1999.
Shortly after the photos were published, both Russini and Vrabel issued statements to Page Six downplaying the nature of their relationship.
NFL Insider Dianna Russini Once Called Her Husband ‘Average’ on National TV
“The photos don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day,” Russini said. “Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues.”
Vrabel added, “These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn’t deserve any further response.”
The Athletic’s executive editor, Steve Ginsberg, pledged the outlet’s support to Russini in a statement to Page Six.
“These photos are misleading and lack essential context,” Ginsberg said. “These were public interactions in front of many people. Dianna is a premier journalist covering the NFL and we’re proud to have her at The Athletic.”
