Mike Vrabel's weekend at a luxury Arizona resort was never meant to make news, but the arrival of some pictures changed everything. And now, the head coach isn't happy with the picture some are trying to paint.

In an X post by the handle New England Sports Fellow, a public statement was revealed on the matter.

“These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn’t deserve any further response," Vrabel reportedly told Page Six.

Page Six published photos showing Vrabel, 50, and The Athletic's NFL insider Dianna Russini, 43.

Vrabel celebrated 26 years of marriage last year, while Russini marked her fifth wedding anniversary with husband Kevin Goldschmidt last September.

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

Russini previously was accused by the wife of then-Washington Commanders GM Scot McCloughan alledging Russini's involvement with her husband.

She later retracted through a formal apology stating that the allegation was "unfounded and inappropriate."

Steven Ginsberg, the executive editor of "The Athletic," backed Russini's view by alleging that the photos were misleading and lacked crucial context.

All in all, the Athletic was quick to make its stance clear on the matter.

The Athletic Steps Up to Bat for Russini After Vrabel Photos Go Viral

Page Six published its March 28 photos, which displayed Vrabel and Russini together at a private rooftop area; The Athletic immediately responded to address the situation.

"These photos are misleading and lack essential context," Ginsberg fired back. "These were public interactions in front of many people. Dianna is a premier journalist covering the NFL and we're proud to have her at the Athletic."

Both Vrabel and Russini maintained that the frame of each photo told an incomplete story.

A source close to Russini confirmed she was on a hiking trip with two female friends, while a friend of Vrabel's said he drove up for the day with a companion before heading back to a separate hotel.

Vrabel and Russini's professional relationship started in 2018 when she reported on his Tennessee Titans career from ESPN. 

Read more at the Cleveland Browns Community!

Written by

Abhay Bharti

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote