Conflicting reports have surfaced regarding how New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel reacted off-camera to NBC reporter Phil Perry. Perry had asked Vrabel questions pertaining to an investigation by The Athletic into former reporter Dianna Russini's reporting, which followed revelations of an alleged affair between Russini and Vrabel.
Boston radio host Jim Murray of NESN stated that he could confirm Vrabel "might have chirped Phil Perry" after a press conference concluded. When asked for specifics, Murray indicated it was "not a pleasantry."
However, Mark Daniels of Mass Live, who was present at the press conference, offered a different perspective. Daniels reported that Vrabel was "kidding around" and "poked fun of Phil for his phone going off the previous press conference." He characterized Vrabel's interaction as not being an accurate "chirp" but rather a jest, which he noted is characteristic of Vrabel's media interactions.
The official YouTube channel of the New England Patriots posted Vrabel's press conference, but the recording ends immediately after he answered the last question and left the stage.
Vrabel was aware he would likely face questions about the investigation's findings. The Athletic had ruled that Russini was "noncompliant" with company protocols due to her alleged affair.
Perry posed two questions to Vrabel. The first inquired about Vrabel's reaction to the investigation's outcome. "No, I don’t have any reaction to that," Vrabel responded. "We’re moved on and focused on Seattle and focused on the Patriots and focused on getting better this week."
Perry followed up by asking if Vrabel felt the situation was "fully behind you." Vrabel reiterated, "Try to just say that I’ve moved on and excited about this new opportunity here as we start this season," with the season opener six days away at the time.
It is evident that Vrabel made some form of retort to Perry, though the nature of this exchange is subject to differing interpretations. Personal relationships can often provide context for coach-reporter interactions.
Previously, in December, Vrabel had a stern exchange with Perry regarding injuries, telling him, "Don’t cut me off, Phil," when Perry attempted to interject mid-question.
Vrabel's response on Thursday, along with the alleged off-camera reaction, suggests he intends to avoid further discussion on the matter. He had initially denied any impropriety when Page Six published photos of him and Russini holding hands in Arizona in April, calling the suggestion "laughable."
The situation escalated with further evidence of their relationship, leading Vrabel to address the matter with his team and family.
The Athletic's investigation, primarily focused on Russini, concluded that her relationship with Vrabel was "in clear violation of The Athletic’s standards" and "should have been disclosed," regardless of its romantic nature. The investigation's director noted that while Russini did not frequently write about Vrabel outside of news and transactions, some of her past writings were "awkward or even uncomfortable in hindsight."