Mike Vrabel had 'difficult conversations' over Russini photos - ESPN

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Mike Vrabel said the New England Patriots and their fans will get «the best version of me going forward» after the New York Post published photos that appeared to show the coach embracing and holding hands with former Athletic reporter Dianna Russini.

Vrabel shared no details about what he called a «personal and private matter» or his relationship with Russini and the photos of the pair spending time together at an adults-only hotel in Arizona. He said he had conversations that were «positive and productive» with Patriots players when they reported for voluntary workouts Monday.

«I've had some difficult conversations with people I care about — with my family, the organization, the coaches, the players,» Vrabel said Tuesday. «Those have been positive and productive. We believe in order to be successful on and off the field, you have to make good decisions. That includes me. That starts with me.

»We never want our actions to negatively affect the team. We never want to be the cause of a distraction. There are comments and questions that I've answered for the team and with the team. We'll keep those private."

The Post published a series of photos two weeks ago that show Vrabel and Russini together at a resort days before the NFL's league meetings nearby in Phoenix. Vrabel and Russini, who are both married to other people, told the Post that the photos didn't accurately reflect their interaction.

After initially receiving support from The Athletic, Russini announced last week that she was resigning from her role at the outlet.

Vrabel said he wanted to make a statement Tuesday so he could address the media before his players were asked questions about the story and to try to minimize distractions heading