The Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini controversy has refused to disappear, even as the 2026 NFL preseason moves forward. While major questions remain about the media response, Jordon Hudson is actively showing interest in the discussion surrounding the story.
Bill Belichick’s girlfriend has engaged with commentary questioning why some major outlets have largely avoided the subject. Her latest social media activity has once again put the spotlight on that silence.
Jordon Hudson Supports Questions Over Dianna Russini-Mike Vrabel Coverage
Hudson has repeatedly drawn attention to Vrabel and Russini’s coverage through her social media activity. She recently liked a post from NFL podcaster Tony Farmer criticizing the Associated Press and other outlets for their handling of the controversy.
Farmer pointed to Hudson’s engagement on X, writing, “Bill Belichick’s girlfriend Jordon Hudson liked my tweet about the silence by the Associated Press and others in the Russini – Vrabel story.”
Bill Belichick’s girlfriend Jordon Hudson liked my tweet about the silence by the Associated Press and others in the Russini – Vrabel story. pic.twitter.com/VnZetfga8d
— Tony Farmer (@Tonysmarkettips) August 15, 2026
This voting connection remains one of the biggest questions surrounding the controversy. Vrabel won the 2025 AP Coach of the Year award by three first-place votes, while critics have questioned whether Russini’s alleged undisclosed relationship with him created a conflict of interest.
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The AP has not released Russini’s individual ballot, according to the information provided. This decision has given critics another reason to demand greater transparency around the award and Russini’s involvement in the voting process.
Hudson’s interest in the story also comes after she experienced intense media attention surrounding her relationship with Belichick. She has previously criticized what she sees as an uneven approach to reporting on the personal lives of NFL figures.
In April, Hudson directly questioned Mike Florio (Pro Football Talk) about NBC’s handling of the controversy, writing, “We’re not talking about this? Why not, @ProFootballTalk?”
It came after former NFL quarterback Chris Simms was removed from the Sunday Night Football coverage days after he spoke about the Vrabel-Russini scandal. However, it has not yet been confirmed whether NBC’s decision was made because of Simms’ comments.
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Hudson later amplified commentary from Farmer and other voices questioning the lack of mainstream coverage.
The controversy began after photographs surfaced showing Vrabel and Russini together at a resort in Sedona, Arizona. Both initially pushed back against the reports, with Russini describing the trip as a gathering away from football settings. Russini eventually resigned from The Athletic, which had launched an internal ethics review before her exit.
This investigation remains another unresolved piece of the story. The Athletic has not publicly released its final findings, while Vrabel has remained the Patriots’ head coach. The NFL also declined to launch a formal investigation, stating that the matter did not violate its personal conduct policy.
Meanwhile, Hudson has continued to highlight what she views as a media double standard. Independent commentators have criticized ESPN, NBC, and NFL Network for giving the controversy limited attention compared with the discussion surrounding it outside mainstream sports media.
With the AP ballot and The Athletic’s review still unresolved, Hudson’s continued engagement ensures the questions surrounding the coverage have not completely faded.
