Mike Vrabel changes tune on ‘laughable’ Dianna Russini hotel photos

Mike Vrabel said he was prioritizing his family when addressing his photo scandal with Dianna Russini Thursday, a notable change from when he initially told Page Six that the hotel pics of the two hugging and holding hands were “laughable” and not worth a response.

Vrabel spoke to reporters at a pre-NFL Draft press conference, when he was asked how he went from laughing the pics off two weeks ago, to telling ESPN Wednesday that he was seeking counseling.

“That’s a private and personal matter. I don’t think that those comments …I think that was, I’m always gonna attempt to protect your family,” he said. “I would never be dismissive but I think my family and this football team are the most important thing and that’s what I plan to do, and I’m excited about the challenge with both of those things.”

Vrabel, 50, initially told Page Six about the hotel pics taken at the Ambiente in Sedona, Arizona, “These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn’t deserve any further response.”

And Russini, 43, told us, “The photos don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day. Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues.”

A Page Six spy told us that Vrabel and Russini had breakfast on the patio of the hotel restaurant on March 28, before spending a leisurely hour or so together at the pool and lounging side-by-side in a hot tub.

Our spy also spotted Vrabel and Russini on the private rooftop of one of the hotel’s bungalows on March 28, which are only accessible from the two-person bungalows that cost up to $2,160 a night.

Photos show the two hugging at sunset, and weaving their fingers together as they stand face-to-face. The spy said they saw the pair briefly dance together.

On Thursday, Page Six published photos of the two kissing at a New York City bar in March 2020 — six years before the hotel photos, and six months before Russini married her now-husband, Shake Shack executive Kevin Goldschmidt.

Vrbael has been married to his wife, Jen Vrabel, since 1999.

The New England Patriots coach and the NFL reporter were spotted together inside the dimly lit Tribeca Tavern on March 11, 2020, where they sat close to each other while having a conversation at the bar, at one point appearing to share a kiss.

“They were kissing and they were all over each other,” an eyewitness told Page Six. “He had a ring on.”

Russini resigned from her position as senior NFL insider at the Athletic on April 14 amid the outlet’s investigation into the situation. She did not admit to any wrongdoing.

“This media frenzy is hurtling forward without regard for the review process The Athletic is trying to complete,” she wrote in part in a letter to Athletic Executive Editor Steven Ginsberg, obtained by Page Six. “It continues to escalate, fueled by repeated leaks, and I have no interest in submitting to a public inquiry that has already caused far more damage than I am willing to accept.”

During Thursday’s press conference, Vrabel repeatedly told reporters that he was prioritizing his family and the Patriots and was working on giving everyone the best version of himself.

“I take accountability for my actions and for the actions that caused distraction to the people that I care most about — my family, this football team, the organization and the fans,” he said.

“You know, my previous actions don’t meet the standards that I hold myself to, they don’t, and I think it’s best for the two most important things in my life — my family and my football team — is for us to take the necessary steps to work together and to get done what I told them I’d give them, which is the best version of me,” he continued. “And that’s what we’re gonna do. “

This story is developing…