Dianna Russini, one of the NFL’s most high-profile reporters, is photographed holding hands with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel at a fancy resort in Sedona, Arizona. Rumors fly. Vrabel and Russini, who are both married to other people, issue statements denying the assumptions of something untoward. But the firestorm only grows. Russini resigns from her post at the Athletic, Vrabel continues with his job as usual.
The female reporter’s career is in shambles. Meanwhile, it’s business as usual for the male head coach.
Who could have seen this coming?
I have no idea about the exact nature of Vrabel and Russini’s relationship. No matter what the truth is, this uncomfortable and sad saga was only going to end one way. Because that’s how the NFL and sports media in general work. Women, especially when they are outgoing and attractive like Russini, are portrayed as having ulterior motives. They get the attention and the blame. The internet has been quick to point the finger of blame at Russini, whether subtly or overtly. People magazine, a publication not exactly known for its coverage of the NFL media landscape, was suddenly very keen to write about Russini – and the dynamics of her marriage.
While Russini felt she had to resign, Vrabel gets to keep plugging along. It helps when your team’s owner is Robert Kraft, who is well versed in dealing with scandals. It also helps that Vrabel turned the Patriots from one of the worst teams in the NFL to a Super Bowl contender. Indeed, while Russini fights to save her career and reputation, Vrabel’s biggest problem seems to be preparing for this month’s NFL draft. “I’d say [Vrabel] has been in there with us this round probably a little more than he was in there last year … He’s been in there. He’s been contributing. He’s watched a ton of the players,” Patriots vice-president of player personnel Eliot Wolf said this week....[/quote[
www.theguardian.com
