It's not 'business as usual' for Patriots amid Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini storyline

But nothing about the situation feels like "business as usual." NFL coaches are rarely involved in a storyline that makes tabloid headlines. They're also rarely involved in something that sidelines a reporter. Russini has been pulled from reporting amid an ongoing investigation.

The increased attention around Vrabel could sidetrack the team heading into the draft and possibly the season. A story of this magnitude can remain a hot topic for months. 

Vrabel not speaking with the media at this time of year isn't abnormal. Many coaches don't speak before the draft because they're busy grinding tape and making late preparations. But he was present last year. More importantly, in this case, it appears he's avoiding publicly discussing the hotel photos with Russini. He did release a statement on the matter after the story went viral. 

"These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable," the coach said. "This doesn't deserve any further response."

That still may not suffice. Vrabel will have to discuss this at some point. The longer he waits to do so, the longer it will linger over the organization. That could leave his team scattered as it aims to return to the Super Bowl during the 2026 season after losing 29-13 to the Seattle Seahawks in the Big Game this past season.