New England Patriots broadcast analyst Scott Zolak became the first official member of the organization besides Eliot Wolf to address the Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini situation. Page Six released photos of Vrabel and Russini together, holding hands and appearing to dance, at a luxury resort in Sedona, Arizona.
But Zolak didn’t exactly talk at length on the subject during his show, Zolak & Bertrand.
When faced with a question from fan mail Thursday about why he hasn’t previously discussed the Vrabel-Russini photos, Zolak did what he could to avoid the subject.
“During the football season and multiple times in the offseason, I do things with Mike. And I know Mike. And Mike and I have a good back-and-forth working relationship. I know Mike’s wife, she’s been in some of the meetings. I know Mike’s two sons. I’ve met them, I’ve hung out with them during the football season,” said the Patriots analyst, via Boston Media Critic. “I know Dianna Russini. I know the people involved. And I’m in no position to comment on anything that happened between these two. It does me no good.
“I like my jobs, I like working here, I like working with the Patriots, I like doing games, I like doing TV with them. I like being with the team. For me to sit there and cast stones at this guy would not do me great things. So there’s your answer in a nutshell. It’s pretty much like the beat reporters.”
Zolak’s non-response, response came the same day USA Today Sports parted ways with NFL freelance reporter Crissy Ford for her reaction on Russini’s departure at The Athletic.
Patriots’ Scott Zolak Skirting Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini Situation Echos Loudly
GettyFormer New England Patriots quarterback and current analyst avoided commenting too much on the Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini photo controversy.
There are two significant takeaways from Zolak’s brief reaction to the Vrabel-Russini photo controversy.
First, Zolak using the fact that he “likes his jobs” as one reason why he’s not saying more explains why sports media personalities aren’t talking about more about the incident.
The sad reality is that if media personalities share a strong opinion on the subject, they could face backlash from employers. That’s what happened to Ford at USA Today Sports.
But secondly, Zolak trying to avoid the topic could also say something about how the Patriots feel about the situation regarding Vrabel. That’s what Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio argued Friday.
“Zolak is the only front-facing Patriots employee with regular access to a microphone. What he says, or doesn’t say, about any given situation involving the franchise can be interpreted as a reflection of the organization’s overall attitude and approach. If so, Zolak’s silence reflects his belief that the team wants it,” wrote Florio.
The NFL insider added that Zolak has shared plenty of opinions on “sensitive issues” in the past.
“Zolak has in the past said things that, technically, do him no good. His comments, or lack thereof, could fairly be viewed as his assessment of what will, or won’t, fly with those who employ him,” concluded Florio.
Zolak played quarterback for the Patriots from 1991-98. He began his sports media career in Rhode Island. Zolak has worked as a Patriots radio color analyst since 2011.
Vrabel, Russini ‘Coordinated’ Responses to Photo Release: Report
GettyNew England Patriots analyst Scott Zolak shared his reaction to the Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini photos.
ESPN wrote its first prominent report on the Vrabel-Russini incident Friday. Neither the Patriots head coach nor former NFL insider at The Athletic commented for the story.
ESPN’s Ben Strauss, though, reported the pair “coordinated” a response to the initial release of their photos together in Sedona.
“She also coordinated with Vrabel about how to respond to the Post, said a person with knowledge of the communication,” wrote Strauss. “Russini and Vrabel, who are both married to other people, told the Post that the photos didn’t accurately reflect their interaction.
“The Athletic initially defended Russini publicly but subsequently faced internal outrage from employees, several Times and Athletic staffers told ESPN.”
Florio argued there are conflict of interests issues if that happened. But more facts appeared to be needed before anything definitive can be claimed.
That includes confirmation on the exact relationship Vrabel and Russini may have.
Strauss also reported The Athletic asked Russini for evidence to her claims that she was in Sedona for a hike with friends. The insider reportedly didn’t provide any evidence to that claim.
Russini resigned from The Athletic on Tuesday. Vrabel remains head coach of the Patriots.
Page Six released photos of Vrabel and Russini at a luxurious resort hotel in Sedona, Arizona. One picture showed the two holding hands while another shot captured them hugging.
Another photo displayed the pair lounging in a pool.
Patriots Prominent Employee Reacts to Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini Photos