NFL Is Taking Risk A Big Risk With The Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini Controversy That Could Blow Up In Their Face Tonight
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
The NFL will let teams push the limits during this year’s schedule release despite the controversy surrounding New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel and former reporter Dianna Russini.
According to Front Office Sports reporter Michael McCarthy, the league will not review teams’ schedule release videos before they are posted on Thursday night. That means NFL social media teams could make jokes or references connected to the recent Vrabel and Russini story.
The controversy gained attention after Page Six published photos on April 7 showing Vrabel and Russini holding hands at a hotel in Arizona. TMZ later shared more photos and details about earlier outings involving the two. One report described a June 2021 boat trip in Tennessee. TMZ reported that both signed a waiver before the trip and “appeared cautious about photos being taken.”
McCarthy reported that the NFL has no plans to limit jokes or references during the annual schedule release event. He wrote, “The league is not reviewing videos in advance. Instead, clubs will continue to control the content of their memes and videos from start to finish.”
NFL Stays Hands-Off During Schedule Release
The NFL schedule release has turned into one of the league’s biggest social media events. Teams often post comedy videos, memes, and jokes aimed at rivals. This year, many fans expect some teams to target Vrabel and the Patriots because of the ongoing media attention.
McCarthy said the league took a relaxed approach even with the controversy still making headlines. He wrote that “the young, aggressive, social media wags at all 32 clubs will be free to mock Vrabel and the Patriots if they wish.”
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell already addressed the issue earlier this offseason. He said the league would not investigate Vrabel for a possible violation of the personal conduct policy.
The Patriots have also backed their head coach throughout the offseason. Before the NFL Draft, the organization released a public statement supporting him.
“The New England Patriots fully support Mike Vrabel’s decision to prioritize his family first, as well as his own well-being,” the team said. “Mike has been open with us about his commitment to being the best version of himself for his family, this team and our fans.”
Vrabel still plans to coach New England this season. The NFL now appears ready to let teams decide how far they want to go with jokes when the schedule release arrives Thursday night.
