Dianna Russini issues response to photos of her with Mike Vrabel

The Athletic reporter Dianna Russini responded after photos were published of her and New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel.

Page Six published photos showing Vrabel and Russini apparently holding hands and hugging two weekends ago at a resort in Arizona. People close to Russini told Page Six that the two were there as friends with a larger group, though other eyewitnesses disputed that anyone else was there. The photos sparked a furor on social media and launched speculation about the nature of the relationship between the reporter and the Patriots coach.

Russini and Vrabel both denied anything inappropriate took place.

“The photos don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day,” Russini said in a response to Page Six. “Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues.”

Vrabel’s own statement said the photos depicted a “completely innocent interaction” and do not deserve any further response.

Russini is the top NFL reporter at The Athletic. Both Russini and Vrabel are married with children.