Tony Farmer takes major issue with ESPN's latest Dianna Russini-Mike Vrabel article ahead of Patriots' season opener

ESPN's Ben Strauss and Kalyn Kahler have published an article about the aftermath of the Dianna Russini-Mike Vrabel scandal ahead of the 2026 NFL season. Ad The piece comes a mere two days before the New England Patriots face off against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1. It's a rematch of Super Bowl LX, during which the Seahawks recorded a 29-13 win. Submit Thanks for the submission! Tony Farmer took issue with ESPN's article on the New England Patriots coach and former NFL insider. 70% Win (110-25-1) 70% Win (110-25-1) 70% Win (110-25-1) Unlock Free tips from our Experts Get Picks Now "ESPN just published a new Vrabel - Russini's story. It's decent. A few new details like what Vrabel talked about with his players in that closed-door meeting," wrote the San Francisco 49ers insider. Ad Trending Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game! "Of course, no mention of the fact that Russini is a COTY voter, the tampering concerns with AJ Brown, or Russini's deleted Morgan Moses tweet." Expand Tweet Ad The offseason took a stunning turn for Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini in April as the New York Post posted pictures of the duo together at an adults-only resort. The fallout of the incident includes Russini's resignation from "The Athletic", Vrabel stepping away from the team to seek counselling and countless questions around a potential conflict of interest. According to the ESPN report, the Patriots declined to make Vrabel available for an interview and chose not to comment. Most members of the organisation followed suit and opted not to speak to the network. Ad Expand Tweet Ad Mike Vrabel set for Year 2 New England Patriots fans know Mike Vrabel well from his playing days. The Ohio State product was a key linebacker on three Super Bowl-winning teams during the Bill Belichick and Tom Brady era. He also added numerous individual accolades and records to his cabinet. Vrabel ended his playing career in 2010 and quickly entered coaching. He worked with his Alma mater as a linebackers and defensive line coach before his jump to the NFL. Ad Vrabel worked as a linebackers and defensive coordinator with the Houston Texans before the Tennessee Titans came calling. The one-time Pro Bowler had six stellar seasons with the Titans before departing at the end of the 2023 season. The Patriots hired Vrabel ahead of the 2025 season, fresh off a disastrous 4-13 campaign. The Patriots icon led the team all the way to the Super Bowl before losing to the Seattle Seahawks. Next up for Mike Vrabel is his second season in charge of the AFC East powerhouse. He'll look to inspire his troops to go one better, and potentially become the first person to hoist the Lombardi Trophy both as a player and as a coach of the same franchise. × Feedback Why did you not like this content? Clickbait / Misleading Factually Incorrect Hateful or Abusive Baseless Opinion Too Many Ads Other Cancel Submit Was this article helpful? Thank You for feedback New England Patriots Nation! Check out the latest Patriots Schedule and dive into the New England Patriots Depth Chart for NFL Season 2024-25.