Stephen A. Smith Criticizes Mike Vrabel Over NFL Draft Move
The Mike Vrabel situation continued to develop on Thursday as new photos emerged.
The New York Post shared photos captured at a New York City bar in 2020, showing the New England Patriots head coach with Dianna Russini - the now-former lead NFL writer for The Athletic. These new photos surfaced just weeks after Page Six shared images of Vrabel and Russini - who are both married to other people - embracing at a resort in Arizona.
Russini announced her resignation from The Athletic earlier this month. On Wednesday night, Vrabel announced that he would begin counseling this weekend - starting on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft.
"As I said the other day, I promised my family, this organization and this team that I was going to give them the best version of me that I can possibly give them. In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend," Vrabel said in a statement. "This is something that I have given a lot of thought to and is something I would advise a player to do if I was counseling them.
"I have always wanted to lead by example, and I believe this is what I have to do to be the best husband, father and coach that I possibly can be. This is not an easy thing for me to admit, but it is one that I know will make me a better person. I appreciate the support that everyone has given me and promise a stronger resolve as a result."
Dianna Russini and married Mike Vrabel caught kissing at NYC bar in bombshell new photos - taken 6 years before scandal https://t.co/WIPOoGKAWFpic.twitter.com/4j1UpviNuy
— New York Post (@nypost) April 23, 2026
ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith called Vrabel out over these comments during Thursday morning's episode of "First Take" - saying the Patriots coach incriminated himself and Russini with his most recent statement.
"He let's stuff dangle for two weeks and then he comes out with a press conference, and basically said he had to have a difficult conversation with his family. We know what that means - that difficult conversation was with the wife," Smith said.
"Had he said nothing, it would've been far less incriminating," Smith added. "... "He would have been better served shutting the hell up. Keeping his mouth shut. ... But because he didn't do that, I think he ended up incriminating himself and her even more."
"He would have been better served shutting the hell up. Keeping his mouth shut…but because he didn't do that, I think he ended up incriminating himself and her." – Stephen A. Smith on Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini pic.twitter.com/R8R2BIodV2
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 23, 2026
The 2026 NFL Draft will begin at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the Sports section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
2026 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 2:06 PM.