Patriots owner Robert Kraft got involved in the Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini scandal, per report, and it’s not a good look
The Patriots continue to deal with the fallout from the Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini scandal, even though there are just a few days left until the 2026 NFL Draft.
The New England Patriots are just days away from a crucial draft, yet the Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini scandal continues to make headlines.
This time, the newest report states Patriots owner Robert Kraft used his influence in an attempt to stop the photos of Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini from hitting the public eye.
Per InTouch, an entertainment outlet, a “notorious crisis strategist” reached out to The Post (the outlet that initially broke the story) and tried to get the outlet to nix the story, but was unsuccessful in the attempt:
“Robert Kraft intervened and had his honchos pressure The Post before they published and tried to kill the story,” a source exclusively tells In Touch. “The Post gave Vrabel a longer time to respond than what is considered industry norms, and Kraft took advantage of that extended timeframe to put pressure on the reporter and the newspaper. A notorious crisis strategist made the call but was unsuccessful in neutering the story.”
kayla aldecoa
InTouch
ESPN‘s Ben Strauss also reported that Russini consulted a top-tier crisis manager after learning about the upcoming release of the photos, which connects the dots back to Kraft:
In the days before the story ran, Russini consulted advisers, including a veteran in crisis communications. Russini and Vrabel also communicated about how to respond to the Post, according to a person with knowledge of those discussions.
Ben strauss
ESPN
Kraft’s reported involvement isn’t a good look for the Patriots or Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini
Sure, one can chalk it up to Kraft simply protecting the Patriots franchise. However, when considering all the details, it simply adds to the perception of “guilt” surrounding Vrabel and Russini.
It’s because neither Vrabel nor Russini could provide “compelling evidence” that backed up their claims of being at the resort with friends. As The Athletic/New York Times continued to further its investigation, more suspicious details arose that required proof of innocence, so to speak.
The Post, per reports, even said it’d pull the story if Russini or Vrabel could provide said compelling evidence, but they couldn’t.
Enter Kraft, who then reportedly tried to strong arm the situation. It’s not a good look and it’s easy to see why.
Russini has since resigned from her position. The NFL recently came out and said it will not investigate Vrabel under the premise of the league’s detrimental conduct policy.