"Mike Vrabel & Dianna Russini: Affair Gate"

Ahh... The joys of a quiet NFL offseason for fans and organizations.
Well, for some it may be quiet as a mouse hiding out under a cabinet.
Spring weather takes coaches and their families to warmer cities for
vacations. No cameras or microphones nearby for pressing questions
about upcoming events. Just a low-key quiet peace of mind vibe to
unwind. For New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, this
became a talking point.

It wasn't the fact he stayed at a getaway not too far from scouting a
potential player at Arizona State. Maybe he wanted privacy and avoid
media coverage like some may abide by. But here's where things took a
shocking twist: NFL sideline reporter Dianna Russini had reservations at
the same location as Vrabel. Oh... You're likely thinking: "harmless with
no intentions of it going viral. Two adults who happened to be located
and chilling with close friends."
Oops! They were caught interlocking hands and very close hugging
body language. It was all over everyone's social media platforms, fans
noticing how big of a smile each had sitting poolside. Who was following
both parties at this getaway resort? As someone that respects detective
shows of sorts, my mind went full throttle wanting as many details
possible.

Vrabel is coming off winning NFL Coach Of The Year honors; while
reviving the New England Patriots back to Super Bowl contention. A
great season without winning the championship in February. Heading
into his second season, this scandal as it should be dubbed "Affair
Gate," can and will be a distraction. Credit, the offseason is viable to
everyone including coaches to uphold standards. Nobody is excluded
from being punished prior to the season starting.

A married man and respected head coach, this to me was "where's the
outrage?" I know what some of my inner circle has said that two
consenting adults can do whatever they want. True... if they're single
and having friendly conversations about life. Vrabel put himself in a spot
which can ruin the reputations of men after him. I can't imagine the
league overlooking this by any means.

Russini has been married a few years and a mother of young children. A
well respected sideline reporter and formerly of The Athletic became
visible for ESPN. She had a great following of young women who
aspired to be in her shoes. Reporting on big platforms, interviewing
great players. But behind closed doors and different settings, her true
colors were on display.

Talking about her marriage with co-panelists who found it amusing;
telling people how her husband is kinda bland and whatnot. Putting her
personal life out there for all of us to giggle along; while embarrassing
the man who she had children with. The behavior is nothing new
because Russini's attire at multiple NFL Honors Awards left little to be
desired. She basically threw herself at coaches, players and whoever
else would give attention. Signs were flashing but nobody sought them
out until now.

With Russini stepping down from The Athletic, many believed it was far
too late. An expiring contract and now scandal as to why she and Vrabel
were caught is one gray area reporters will be very cautious of.
Considering the nature of how both parties addressed this, NFL
Commissioner Roger Goddell must tighten his league up. If players are
subject to suspension of violation for personal conduct policy, it applies
to coaches as well. Let's call a spade a spade and keep playing shall
we.

Vrabel had tough discussions with his family, players and coaching staff
on how this incident will make him learn and move forward. Lip service
concession stand speech to appeal fans and keep everyone distracted
from the pictures. Infidelity is the number one marriage and relationship
issue which can break couples apart. Imagine how Vrabel felt calling his
wife and explaining to her what happened? What's her feelings at this
point? Anger, confusion, discontent, disloyal, hurt and deeply disturbed
her husband was caught with another woman?

Russini lack of accountability only adds more fuel to the fire of past
comments and remarks made openly. Could her husband had become
suspicious and sent a private investigator to this getaway? I'm sure
money was involved because those intimate photos didn't leak on
accident? We may never know who paid what amount of money but
what we see is a married man and woman who'll forever be linked in
"Affair Gate."