ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith denied claims of misogyny in photos shown to NFL reporter Diana Russini at an Arizona resort with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel.
We all know the story at this point, right?
New York PostPage Six published the photos and a related story on April 7. The images, taken two weekends ago, showed Vrabel and Russini – both married – holding hands, embracing and relaxing together at the ambient adults-only resort.
Everyone involved pleaded innocent, even though everyone involved tried to debunk the story.
Speaking on his SiriusXM and Mad Dog Sports radio shows, Smith indicated that he clearly trusts Russini and Vrabel.
“I give her the benefit of the doubt. She worked at ESPN for 10 years as my colleague. She’s a wonderful person, she’s a very good reporter, I respect her a lot and I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt,” Smith said.
But that’s based on what he’s seen so far. his mind can do Was changed.
“If she says it’s not true, I will believe her unless evidence to the contrary is provided,” Smith said.
Stephen A. Smith rejects misogyny from Diana Russini-Mike Vrabel coverage: ‘The onus is on her’ https://t.co/YFhNbFcDqA
– Awful Announcement (@awfulaannouncement) 20 April 2026
Stephen A. Smith made a strong comeback: No misogyny here, just responsibility of the reporter
However, beyond that, Stephen A was quick to pour cold water on any arguments that Russini is being treated unfairly because she is the woman in this scandal.
“Having said that, it doesn’t stop me from saying that when you know you’re a reporter and this is the head coach of an NFL team and you cover the NFL, you can’t put yourself in that position,” he insisted.
“I don’t think misogyny applies in this particular case,” Smith said. “The truth of the matter is that he is the head coach of an NFL team. He is a reporter. The responsibility is on him to ensure that his objectivity is not impaired in any way.”
Vrabel, who is married, has faced far fewer professional repercussions, a disparity that has fueled accusations of double standards.
Smith’s comments come after Rasini resigned athletic That’s during an internal investigation sparked by Page Six photos last week showing the pair holding hands and embracing. Russini initially said the images were misleading and lacked context from the large group setting.
“The photos do not represent a group of six people who were hanging out during the day,” Russini told the Post. “Like most NFL reporters, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other locations.”
Vrabel described the photos as “completely innocent conversation and any suggestion otherwise is ridiculous.”
His resignation, along with new reports that Patriots owner Robert Kraft tried to intervene to stop New York Post By publishing photos, tips there iIt is more than that.
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