Another day, another Mike Vrabel, Dianna Russini update.
TMZ Sports has published a photo of Vrabel and Russini getting pretty close at the Super Bowl. Russini, then an NFL insider for ESPN, was seen putting her arms around Vrabel and getting close to tell the then-Tennessee Titans head coach something.
"The two were spotted hugging at a VIP party at The Forum in Los Angeles before Super Bowl LVI ... with Russini leaning in close to talk to the head coach," the outlet reported.
"We're told this gathering was for a NFL Honors party ... with plenty of football people present. Basically, the type of bash many of Vrabel and Russini's colleagues would surely attend. Vrabel had just won Coach of the Year ... and Russini, an ESPN employee at the time, worked the red carpet earlier in the night."
It's not much, of course, but it's yet another moment showing a personal interaction between the two.
Vrabel, who has returned to work for the Patriots, and Russini, who has resigned from her position at The Athletic, have had a series of personal meetings, dating back to at least 2020.
Multiple photos and videos of their meetups have leaked online, through outlets like TMZ Sports and Page Six.
Russini stands by her behavior, despite resigning
Russini, who resigned from The Athletic, has made it clear that she stands by her behavior.
"Over a career spanning more than fifteen years in sports journalism - at NBC, ESPN, and The Athletic - I have built a body of work I am proud of. I have broken stories, earned the trust of sources across the league, and been guided by the highest standards of professional conduct. That record speaks for itself.
"I remain grateful to The Athletic and for the extraordinary colleagues with whom I have worked there, for the platform it provided, and for the support you showed me during this difficult time. I wish you nothing but continued success."
Vrabel, meanwhile, has been apologetic, though he's ultimately returned to work for the Patriots.
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