Mike Vrabel dodged multiple questions about the Dianna Russini photo scandal off camera after giving a lengthy statement on the matter.
After speaking Tuesday at a pre-NFL draft press conference at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., a reporter asked the New England Patriots head coach if he had “any thoughts” about Russini resigning from his job at the Athletic in the wake of the scandal.
According to 98.5 The Sports Hub, Vrabel responded, “I respect and appreciate every question, but I can’t comment on anything related to that. I appreciate your work and what you have to do, but I have to comment and respond to the football team.”
Another reporter asked the former linebacker if he still stands by his original statement to Page Six, which called all the implications of the photo “ridiculous.”
“I think I was able to address what I felt was important,” Vrabel said, according to the newspaper.
Asked by a third reporter how he would characterize his conversations with owners about the scandal, Vrabel said, “They’ll give me (confidence),” and again tried to shift all inquiries to focus on his team.
During questioning, Vrabel also said he had “conversations and questions” from players about the scandal and talked about not letting it get in the way of them as they prepare for the draft.
Tuesday’s news conference was Vrabel’s first time speaking to reporters since Page Six obtained photos of him and NFL reporters holding hands and hugging at an Arizona resort on April 7.
In his speech, the 50-year-old acknowledged that he had had “difficult conversations” with his family about the situation, but said the talks had been “positive and productive” without elaborating further.
From there, he shifted his focus to the draft, saying he “didn’t want to take (attention) away” from it.
“This is an important time for us. … (The players) are starting a great journey and we should celebrate as we welcome them to the team.”
As for Russini, 43, she initially tried to downplay the snapshot, telling Page Six, “The photo does not represent the group of six people who were together during the day. Like most journalists in the NFL, the reporter interacts with sources away from the stadium and other venues.”
However, three witnesses told Page Six that both were married and did not see anyone else sharing a child with anyone else.
Three days later, news broke that The Athletic had dropped Russini and launched an investigation into the matter.
On April 14, she quit her job, but many, including Dave Portnoy, claimed that she wouldn’t have quit unless she was “guilty” of something.
