Dianna Russini's close friend, Stugotz, claimed that she and the Patriots head coach, Mike Vrabel, might be 'just friends' amid their photo scandal.
Former NFL insider and reporter, Dianna Russini has been dominating headlines for a long time now due to her alleged extramarital affair with New England Patriots head coach, Mike Vrabel. The scandal began in early April 2026, when Page Six published a series of cosy pictures featuring Dianna and Mike. Soon, their affair became a global phenomenon. Following this, Dianna resigned from her position at The Athletic. Now, her close friend, Stugotz shared his take on the ongoing matter.
Recently, on his podcast, Big Stuey, Stugotz shared his take on the scandal involving Dianna Russini and Mike Vrabel. He claimed that the duo might be just friends. Stugotz mentioned that when he first saw the cosy pictures of Dianna and Mike, he was surprised. Stugotz highlighted that although he knew about the duo’s close relationship, he was clueless about the depth of their bond. He added that, as Dianna has not said anything about it, he has no idea. Stugotz was quoted as saying:
"I was surprised when I saw the pictures, and this is coming from someone who knows she’s had a close relationship — I didn’t know it was this kind of close — but has a close relationship with Mike Vrabel and has been friendly with him for years. And that might be all that it is. I have no idea. Again, she hasn’t told me."
While Dianna has been facing extreme backlash ever since her cosy pictures with Mike made headlines, it was her longtime friend, Stugotz, who stood strong beside her during this difficult time. On April 14, 2026, Dianna put down her papers at The Athletic. According to multiple reports, Dianna is currently focusing on her children. Amid this, Dianna gets a new job offer from her close friend, Stugotz. He mentioned that he holds the job offer for Dianna forever. Whenever Dianna decides to come back to her NFL career, he will be hiring her. He was quoted as saying:
"I did say if The Athletic fired her, I would hire her. They didn’t fire her. She stepped down from The Athletic, and the offer holds forever. If Dianna Russini decides one day, three months from now, a year from now, two years from now, that she wants to get back into this game, she has a place right here."
On April 14, 2026, Dianna resigned from her role at The Athletic. She highlighted that when Page Six leaked the lovey-dovey pictures of her and Mike, The Athletic supported her and took pride in her journalism, and for that she was grateful. However, she decided to step down from the position and believed that it was the right choice for her, her family and her career. She added that over the years, she had covered the NFL with utmost dedication and professionalism. An excerpt from her resignation letter can be read as:
"Please accept this letter as my resignation from The Athletic, effective immediately. When the Page Six item first appeared, The Athletic supported me unequivocally, expressed confidence in my work and pride in my journalism. For that, I am grateful. I have to make this decision with deep sadness but with clarity about what is right for me, my family, and the work I have spent my career building. I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published."
What are your thoughts on Stugotz's claim about Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini just being friends? Let us know.
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