NFL's Roger Goodell Says No Punishment for Mike Vrabel
The league will not punish New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel over his recent scandal involving reporter Dianna Russini, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell revealed during an NFL draft interview on Thursday night.
Goodell said Vrabel is not in violation of the league's personal conduct policy.
"No, this is not a personal conduct policy [issue], as of what we know today" Goodell told ESPN broadcaster Mike Greenberg in Pittsburgh. "It's a personal matter and we'll leave it at that."
Goodell said the league does not get involved in "personal matters," allowing the teams to handle those issues internally.
"I think the teams handle these matters, when they're personal matters," Goodell added. "They handle it. They have a lot more information that can benefit everyone involved."
Mike Greenberg asked Roger Goodell about Mike Vrabel ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft on ESPN.
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 23, 2026
"This is not a personal conduct policy... It's a personal matter, and we'll leave it at that... I think the teams handle these matters when they're personal matters..." pic.twitter.com/HOscdhTbp6
Earlier this month, photographs of Vrabel and Russini holding hands and embracing at a luxury resort in Arizona emerged. And just hours before the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday, more photos of the pair's alleged affair surfaced - dating all the way back to 2020.
Russini recently announced her resignation from her position as lead NFL reporter for The Athletic. Vrabel announced that he would enter counseling on Saturday - Day 3 of the NFL draft.
Vrabel was with the Patriots in their draft room on Thursday night. He's also present for Day 2 of NFL draft action on Friday.
Vrabel addressed the public with a statement on Wednesday night.
"As I said the other day, I promised my family, this organization and this team that I was going to give them the best version of me that I can possibly give them. In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend," Vrabel said. "This is something that I have given a lot of thought to and is something I would advise a player to do if I was counseling them.
"I have always wanted to lead by example, and I believe this is what I have to do to be the best husband, father and coach that I possibly can be. This is not an easy thing for me to admit, but it is one that I know will make me a better person. I appreciate the support that everyone has given me and promise a stronger resolve as a result."
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
2026 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
This story was originally published April 24, 2026 at 11:03 AM.