Mike Vrabel Thanks Media but Body Language Says More, Expert Points to ‘Emotional Strain’

Mike Vrabel spoke to the press for the first time since photos of him and NFL reporter Dianna Russini getting intimate at an Arizona resort had come out. Now, a body language expert claims that the New England Patriots coach felt uncomfortable while addressing the photos in front of the reporters.

The NFL coach and the former NYT journalist are both married. Earlier this month, they were spotted holding hands and embracing at a luxury Arizona resort.

Previously, Vrabel, who got married to his wife Jen Vrabel back in 1999 and shares two sons with her, explained to Page Six that the March photos “show a completely innocent interaction” and that “any suggestion otherwise is laughable.” Meanwhile, Russini claimed that they were with four other people.

“Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues,” she said at the time. However, eyewitnesses say otherwise.

Vrabel explained why it took him some time to address the viral photos. He said, “I understand I could have, you know, addressed you guys sooner, but it was important to me to have a conversation with the players, which I did yesterday very candidly as we began our off-season program, which everyone is excited to be a part of. Stacey had mentioned the players' availability."

"And it was never my intention to have them speak to you or address you before I did. And so I asked him to come today to talk with you.”

Vrabel struggled to hold eye contact with the reporters as he thanked them for their patience and for respecting his personal space. Behavioral analyst Susan Constantine exclusively told Page Six that Vrabel was speaking the truth during the press conference. However, she also explained that his “rocking from side-to-side is consistent with feeling discomfort.” Constantine believes that Vrabel was overwhelmed with the feeling of shame while talking.

The body language expert further explained that Vrabel’s “eyes glanced downward” and displayed a solemn expression as he told the room he had to have “difficult conversations” with his family and co-workers following the publishing of the controversial photographs. She could also easily detect from looking at his eyebrows that he was genuinely sad while recalling the difficult moments.

“I've had some difficult conversations with people that I care about, with my family, the organization, the coaches, the players. Those have been positive and productive. You know, we believe in order to be successful on and off the field, you have to make good decisions. That includes me, that starts with me,” Vrabel said during the conference.

“We never want our actions to negatively affect the team. We never want to be the cause of a distraction,” he added.

Constantine also pointed out that Vrabel had his lips clenched together during the conference, an indicator of a “containment of emotions” as his vocal pitch “punctuated his key points.”