Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini Scandal Addressed By Patriots Players

Two New England Patriots veterans are making it clear the team's attention remains on football despite the growing controversy surrounding head coach Mike Vrabel.

During media availability on Tuesday, April 28, linebacker Robert Spillane addressed Vrabel's return to the facility after the coach briefly stepped away over the weekend.

"Coach coaches football and he keeps the main thing, the main thing," Spillane said. "I know he's dealing with personal issues, but when we're in the building, we speak football."

Tight end Hunter Henry relayed a similar message, saying Vrabel had communicated directly with players throughout the situation and did "a great job" keeping them informed.

"Obviously, I know you guys want to hear about everything that's going on," Henry said. "To be honest with you, I'm focused on what we got going on right now in this building, with this team."

Vrabel rejoined the team on Monday after reportedly leaving during Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft to seek counseling after a highly publicized scandal involving NFL reporter Dianna Russini went public.

Earlier this month, photos surfaced allegedly showing Vrabel and Russini holding hands and embracing at a luxury Arizona resort. Additional photos, said to date back to 2020, later appeared online. Both are married to other people.

Russini has since resigned as lead NFL reporter for The Athletic. Vrabel, meanwhile, remains head coach as the Patriots prepare for the 2026 NFL season.

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This story was originally published April 28, 2026 at 7:24 PM.