A witness has reportedly refuted claims that scandal-hit NFL insider Dianna Russini rescued an elderly driver and his dog from a car crash last month, adding to the controversy surrounding the reporter.
Conflicting Accounts of the Rescue
Last month, local news site the Patch reported that Russini had jumped into action at the scene of a rollover car crash in Wyckoff, New Jersey, on April 15. According to the initial report, she mounted a daring rescue of a 73-year-old man and his dog from an overturned Jeep, with bystanders gathering before authorities arrived. Page Six later amplified the story, citing a source who claimed Russini ran out, had a tall man lift her onto the Jeep to open the door, and helped pull the driver and his dog to safety.
However, two weeks later, Page Six received a conflicting eyewitness account. A woman came forward, claiming that while Russini was present, she did not climb the car. Instead, the witness said her own husband freed the driver and his dog by ripping open the canvas roof of the Jeep. The tipster added that Russini simply held the dog's leash after it was extricated and certainly had not scaled the vehicle. Local police confirmed bystanders helped but provided no further details.
The Russini-Vrabel Controversy
The alleged rescue story emerged as a rare positive note for Russini, who has been embroiled in an infidelity scandal with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. On April 7, Page Six published photos of Vrabel and Russini holding hands and hugging at a luxury hotel in Sedona, Arizona. The pair were spotted on a private rooftop area of the Ambiente hotel, accessible only from two-person bungalows costing over $2,100 per night. Sources said they were with other friends, but three eyewitnesses claimed they were alone.
Both Russini and Vrabel denied any affair. Russini later resigned from The Athletic after an internal investigation. Vrabel, who recently sought counseling and skipped day three of the NFL draft, told reporters the matter was private and personal, emphasizing his family and football team as priorities.
Additional Photos Emerge
Last Thursday, Page Six published more photos appearing to show the couple kissing at a New York City bar in March 2020. An eyewitness said they were all over each other at Tribeca Tavern, with Russini's legs between Vrabel's legs. At the time, Vrabel was married, and Russini married her husband six months later.
