Patriots VP addresses Mike Vrabel NFL draft role after Dianna Russini photos

The first high-ranking member of theNew England Patriotshas now addressed Mike Vrabel's situation − sort of − nearly a week after photos of the club's head coach with NFL reporter Dianna Russini at an Arizona resort werepublished by the New York Post.

Asked during the team's April 13 pre-draft news conference about Vrabel's involvement with player evaluations over the past week, Pats vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf said: "Very involved. Business as usual. He’s been in there with us a little more than he was last year."

And that was pretty much it.

Wolf didn't talk about Vrabel before he began taking questions, then only got one remotely acknowledging the controversy his coach currently finds swirling about him. Wolf mentioned Vrabel a handful of times but only in the context of his role in evaluating draft prospects for the reigning AFC champions.

Vrabel, who addressed reporters the week prior to last year's draft,did not do so Monday but was never scheduled to, either. He and Wolf met with the national media at this year's annual scouting combine. Vrabel also spoke to reporters at the NFL's annual league meeting in Phoenix on March 31, just days after he'd been photographed at a posh Arizona getaway with Russini, The Athletic's NFL insider, but before those pictures of them surfaced in The Post.

The photos, which were published on April 7, show Vrabel and Russini in bathing suits poolside as well as hugging on a rooftop at the Ambiente in Sedona, Arizona, days before the league meeting. Both Vrabel, 50, and Russini, 43, are married to other people with whom they have children.

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"These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable,"Vrabel told the Post, which published the photos, in a statement last week.

"This doesn’t deserve any further response."

2. New York Jets – David Bailey, OLB/DE, Texas Tech

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 3. Arizona Cardinals – Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 4. Tennessee Titans – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 5. New York Giants – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 6. Cleveland Browns – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 7. Washington Commanders – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 8. New Orleans Saints – Makai Lemon, WR, USC

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 9. Kansas City Chiefs – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 10. Cincinnati Bengals – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 11. Miami Dolphins – Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 12. Dallas Cowboys – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 14. Baltimore Ravens – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 17. Detroit Lions – Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 18. Minnesota Vikings – Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 19. Carolina Panthers – Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 22. Los Angeles Chargers – Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) – Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 26. Buffalo Bills – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 29. Kansas City Chiefs (from Rams) – Malachi Lawrence, DE, UCF

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 32. Seattle Seahawks – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

NFL mock draft: Big-name prospect drops in latest first-round projection

Vrabel will likely speak publicly during the NFL draft, which begins April 23 in Pittsburgh, a person familiar with the situation told USA TODAY Sports. That person was granted anonymity because thePatriotshave not formally scheduled any news conferences during the draft. And New England, which holds the penultimate pick of the first round, might not even choose anyone on the first night if the team trades back from that 31st overall selection − the one organically conferred to the previous season's Super Bowl runner-up.

Vrabel, Wolf and VP of player personnel Ryan Cowden all addressed reporters at various points during the 2025 draft, Vrabel doing so on the night of the first round following the selection of former LSU left tackle Will Campbell with the fourth overall selection.

Russini, who worked for ESPN prior tojoining The Athletic in 2023, covered Vrabel while he was the coach of the Tennessee Titans from 2018 to 2023. Though she initially received a statement of support from The Athletic (also effectively the New York Times' sports section) after the release of the photos,her conduct is now being investigated by The Times. She won't be reporting in the interim. Her contract expires in August.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Mike Vrabel role addressed by Patriots VP after Dianna Russini photos

byDaniel Coleman

in

April 16, 2026

Patriots VP addresses Mike Vrabel NFL draft role after Dianna Russini photos

The first high-ranking member of theNew England Patriotshas now addressed Mike Vrabel's situation − sort of − nearly a week after p...

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David Feherty blasts LIV Golf rumors as 'nonsense' on Mexico City stream

TheLIV Golf Mexico City tournamentteed off as scheduled on Thursday, April 16, and the streaming broadcast began with a not-so-subtle jab at all of the rumors surrounding the golf circuit's imminent demise in recent days.

Longtime golf commentator David Feherty and his broadcast partner Arlo Whiteblasted the reportssurrounding LIV Golf's uncertain future and possible shutdown, with Feherty calling it "absolute nonsense" while questioning the reliability of certain reporters covering the sport. White said the rumors were "greatly exaggerated."

Though LIV Golf's long-term viability remains in doubt due to shifts in the strategic priorities of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund,LIV Golf CEO Scot O'Neil reportedly wrote in an emailto employees on Wednesday that the league is moving forward "full throttle" and "continuing as planned" with its 2026 schedule.

LIV Golf remains in the headlines as executives meet amid ongoing conversations about the future of the sport.

See the LIV golfers who continue to draw attention through both current competition and their place in the broader discussion.

Above, Byeong Hun An in action during the first round of play at LIV Golf Riyadh at the Riyadh Golf Club.

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LIV Golf running out of time? Meet the players who define the league

LIV Golfremains in the headlines as executives meet amid ongoing conversations about the future of the sport.See the LIV golfers who continue to draw attention through both current competition and their place in the broader discussion.Above, Byeong Hun An in action during the first round of play at LIV Golf Riyadh at the Riyadh Golf Club.

PGA TOUR RETURN:How Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and others could do it

"I've been in the professional game 50 years now and I don't think I've had two or three days where there was more absolute nonsense spread out," Feherty said on the LIV Golf Mexico City streaming broadcast. "There are still some writers and broadcasters that take pride in their work, but this generation has spawned a bunch of fast typists that consider themselves to be experts and evidently they're not."

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"It must be exhausting trying to will the LIV Golf League out of existence," added White. "Take a day off, everybody. Enjoy the golf."

Less than four years after LIV officially teed off, its experiment that disrupted and created division the golf world nonethelessappears to be on the verge of ending.

The Saudi sovereign wealth fund, which has reportedly spent more than $5 billion founding and operating LIV Golf, could pull its money following the 2026 season as part of a strategic shift, according to multiple reports. The Saudi Public Investment Fund did not mention LIV Golf in a news release Tuesday announcing its 2026-2030 strategic vision.

Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm were among the major golf stars to defect from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf and both are in the field this week in Mexico City after playing in The Masters.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:David Feherty starts LIV Golf broadcast by blasting rumors, reporters

byDaniel Coleman

in

April 16, 2026

David Feherty blasts LIV Golf rumors as 'nonsense' on Mexico City stream

TheLIV Golf Mexico City tournamentteed off as scheduled on Thursday, April 16, and the streaming broadcast began with a not-so-subtle j...

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Wings shut down question on Azzi Fudd relationship with Paige Bueckers

For now,Azzi Fuddwill not talk about her relationship withPaige Bueckers.

On Thursday, the Dallas Wings introduced Fudd to the community and welcomed her with an introductory press conference. The No. 1 overall pick sat next to head coach Jose Fernandez and general manager Curt Miller as she was asked several questions related to her time at UConn, her journey to the WNBA, joining the Wings and more. She was also asked a pointed question about whether she was still in a relationship with Bueckers.

“Paige (Bueckers) announcedlast year on TikTok that ya’ll were a couple," the person said. "And I’m wondering if that’s still the case, and if so, have ya’ll talked to any other couples in the league about how they negotiate that dynamic as pro teammates?”

Before Fudd could respond, Wings public relations stepped in to decline the question.

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“I understand why you have to ask that question. But we are going to respectfully decline on commenting on a player’s personal life," a Wings PR person said before moving on to the next question.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Azzi Fudd who was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards.

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Scenes from the 2026 WNBA Draft

WNBACommissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Azzi Fudd who was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards.

In recent months, Fudd and Bueckers have kept a low profile with their relationship, leading many to inquire about how they would feel aboutplaying together again after their UConn daysand if they were still dating.

However, for now, Fudd and the Wings appear to be prepared to keep things focused on basketball.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Dallas Wings say Azzi Fudd relationship with Paige Bueckers off limits

byDaniel Coleman

in

April 16, 2026

Wings shut down question on Azzi Fudd relationship with Paige Bueckers

For now,Azzi Fuddwill not talk about her relationship withPaige Bueckers. On Thursday, the Dallas Wings introduced Fudd to the com...

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Former NATO chief targets PM Starmer, warning UK's security in 'peril'

LONDON, April 14 (Reuters) - Britain's national security is "in peril" because of political complacency and under-investment in defence, former NATO chief George Robertson will say on Tuesday, in a rare ‌public rebuke of Prime Minister Keir Starmer's handling of military spending.

Robertson, who helped draft a ‌Strategic Defence Review commissioned by Starmer when he came to power in 2024, is expected to say in a lecture that ​Britain has become increasingly exposed to external threats.

Robertson, who served in the 1990s as defence secretary from Starmer's Labour Party, told the Financial Times there was a gap between the prime minister's rhetoric and action on defence, and Starmer was "not willing to make the necessary investment".

In his lecture, to be delivered later on Tuesday ‌in Salisbury, southern England, he is ⁠expected to call out finance minister Rachel Reeves for devoting "only 40 words" to defence in a budget speech last autumn and not mentioning it at all in ⁠an update last month, the FT said.

"Britain's national security and safety is in peril," he is due to say, according to an excerpt reported by the FT and the BBC. "We are under-prepared. We are under-insured. We are ​under attack. ​We are not safe."

'CORROSIVE COMPLACENCY'

Robertson's office did not immediately ​respond to a request for comment. There ‌was no immediate response from Starmer's office.

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Starmer has blamed under-investment in the military on 14 years of rule by the rival Conservative Party, and has promised the largest sustained rise in defence spending since the Cold War, to reach 3% of national output in the next parliament.

The government has said it would publish a 10-year defence investment plan soon, aimed at meeting the ambitions set out in the 2024 ‌review co-written by Robertson, which called for a shift towards ​drones, digital warfare and data-driven combat systems reflecting lessons drawn ​from the war in Ukraine.

Starmer said last ​week that the war in Iran must be a turning point for Britain, pledging ‌to strengthen the economy and military to ​cope with a more "volatile and ​dangerous" world.

But Robertson will accuse Britain's political leadership of a "corrosive complacency" towards defence and describe decisions made by "non-military experts in the Treasury" as "vandalism".

"We cannot defend Britain with an ever-expanding welfare budget," ​he is expected to say.

He will ‌say the security outlook has deteriorated sharply following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and heightened tensions ​in the Middle East, calling it one of the most dangerous periods in decades.

(Reporting ​by Sam TabahritiEditing by Elizabeth Piper and Peter Graff)

byDaniel Coleman

in

April 15, 2026

Former NATO chief targets PM Starmer, warning UK's security in 'peril'

LONDON, April 14 (Reuters) - Britain's national security is "in peril" because of political complacency and under-investm...

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