The scandal involving Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini seems to have cooled a bit this week, but with the NFL offseason at its peak, they remain in the headlines. The Los Angeles Chargers’ mention of the controversy in their schedule release video, though funny, wasn’t well-received by everyone.
NFL Analyst Calls for End to Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini’s Scandal Coverage
The Chargers are known for making some of the best schedule release videos. With the New England Patriots set to play against them in 2026, there was speculation about whether they would mention the scandal in their release, and they did not miss the opportunity.
However, with over a month of controversy involving the head coach and the reporter, some in NFL circles believe it’s time for coverage of the supposed affair to end. Even if the offseason is at its peak, they don’t want to hear any more about the controversy.
Sports Illustrated reporter Conor Orr wasn’t pleased with the Chargers’ decision to mock Vrabel and Russini. In a recent article, he stated that he understands the context, but it’s now time for everyone to move on:
“It’s time to call for a ceasefire on the weirdest NFL story I can remember”, Orr said. “Not to save the two parties involved, but to provide relief from the others who didn’t ask to be here.”
It’s time to call for a ceasefire on the weirdest NFL story I can remember. Not to save the two parties involved, but to provide relief from the others who didn’t ask to be here. https://t.co/YYIxFSptuQ
Conor Orr (@ConorOrr) May 15, 2026
The coverage has been extensive, and the most recent development involved Russini, who resigned from her role at The Athletic amid the scandal.
The reporter was pictured kissing her husband on Mother’s Day, as the pair was seen for the first time since the scandal broke. Vrabel has been married since 1999 and has two sons. So far, there has been no public indication of a separation from his wife, Jen.
The coach has resumed his normal life. He was away from the Patriots during Day 3 of the 2026 draft, but returned two days later for the start of their offseason program. He sought counseling after the scandal broke and said that he needed to be “close to his family” at the time of the draft.
MORE: Will Mike Vrabel Remain Patriots HC or Will Dianna Russini Scandal Cost Him His Job?
The next steps for Russini are less clear. After she left The Athletic, NFL fans resurfaced old tweets from her Twitter account, which led to deactivation. She has been out of the public eye since her resignation.
