NFL analyst Chris Sims was cut off mid-sentence while discussing the Dianna Russini and Mike Vrabel photo scandal during an appearance on NBC Sports’ “Pro Football Talk.”
“This is the biggest news in the NFL,” Sims said during the episode, according to a video of the segment that was shared on social media.
“I’ll shoot you straight in the face. These are the things I’m texting with friends in the coaching world. Even their wives are joining in on the conversation.”
However, Sims was quickly interrupted by Mike Florio, who cut off his commentary with a reminder to “not miss the mark.” The niche “Star Wars” references were meant to keep The Sims away from this corner.
“Look, there’s a lot out there, and there’s only so much that’s reported and known,” Florio explained.
The exchange took place shortly after Russini resigned from his post at The Athletic amid an internal investigation following Page Six’s exclusive publication of photos of the Patriots coach and a journalist.
“I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand by every article I have ever published,” she said in a letter obtained by Page Six Tuesday.
“When the Page Six article first appeared, The Athletic clearly supported me and expressed confidence in my work and pride in my journalism. I am grateful for that.”
“In the days that followed, unfortunately, various media commentators continued to make wild speculations that were completely ignored by the facts,” Russini continued.
The sportswriter added that he chose to leave his job to stop continued speculation surrounding the situation.
“Furthermore, this media frenzy is proceeding at breakneck speed in disregard of the review process The Athletic is attempting to complete. It continues to escalate, fueled by repeated leaks, and is unwilling to respond to a public investigation that has already caused more damage than I am willing to accept,” she wrote.
“Rather than continue this, I have decided to step aside before my current contract expires on June 30th. I do so not because I accept the narrative built around this episode, but because I refuse to give it any more oxygen or let it define me or my career.”
Russini and Vrabel, who are both married to other people, found themselves in the public eye last month when they were spotted together at the boutique resort Ambiente in Sedona, Arizona.
Photos obtained exclusively by Page Six showed the pair embracing each other at sunset, their fingers intertwined as they stood across from each other.
Sources said at the time that the couple spent the day together on March 28, having breakfast on the hotel restaurant patio and then spending an hour by the pool before hitting the hot tub.
Later that night, witnesses caught Vrabel and Russini again. The couple spent a romantic evening on the private rooftop of their hotel bungalow.
Both Vrabel and Russini responded to the photo in separate statements to Page Six.
Vrabel said: “These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable and deserves no further response.”
Russini also said, “The photo does not represent a group of six people hanging out together during the day. Like most NFL journalists, the reporter interacts with sources away from the stadium and other venues.”
