Two Boston sports radio personalities have been unexpectedly let go by local station WEEI after capitalizing on the Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini controversy in New England. According to Barrett Media, 'WEEI Afternoons' hosts Andy Hart and Nick 'Fitzy' Stevens have been phased out, while former Patriots linebacker Ted Johnson will retain his role on the show. Barrett Media further reported that WEEI will announce Hart and Stevens' replacement during Monday's episode of the Greg Hill Show.
Layoffs and Ratings Struggles
The Daily Mail has sought comment from Hart, Stevens, and spokespeople for WEEI's parent company, Audacy. The radio station conglomerate has conducted layoffs in several markets, including Houston, Cleveland, and Philadelphia. Meanwhile, WEEI Afternoons had been trailing in local ratings against rival 98.5 The Sports Hub's 'Felger and Mazz,' and the transition had been in the works for a while, according to The Boston Globe.
Scandal Coverage Sparks Controversy
But the decision to cut Hart and Stevens from their afternoon show comes after the pair's criticism of Vrabel over the scandal, which had been a frequent topic on WEEI Afternoons, in contrast to some other local shows. Scott Zolak, a former Patriots quarterback and current radio host for rival 98.5, recently refused to comment about the New York Post photos of the NFL insider and the New England Patriots head coach hugging poolside at an adults-only retreat.
Meanwhile, local reporters spent Tuesday pressing Vrabel for more answers about his relationship with Russini, only to receive a vague statement and the coach's polite refusal to comment on the scandal. Andy Hart had been with WEEI since 2019, but will now be replaced, according to reports. Nick 'Fitzy' Stevens has been removed from WEEI at a busy moment for Boston media.
Details of the Scandal
Dianna Russini and Mike Vrabel have known each other since his time as head coach of the Tennessee Titans. Both have denied claims of an affair. Since then, the controversy has only widened as the New York Post published more photos of the pair. The latest exclusive pictures were reportedly taken at the now-closed Tribeca Tavern on March 11, 2020, and show Vrabel and Russini kissing at the bar.
'They were kissing and they were all over each other,' one witness told Page Six. 'He had a ring on.' The source went on to describe the pair as 'all over each other.' 'They were having a glorious time,' the source said. 'They were [giving each other] pecks, a bunch of pecks constantly. There was nobody in there. Nobody knew who they were. I don't even think the bartenders did.'
Curiously, the photos were reportedly taken as the COVID-19 pandemic was sweeping across the United States, although nobody appeared to be practicing social distancing. Russini was married to her husband, Kevin Goldschmidt, later that year. Vrabel, meanwhile, has been married to his wife Jen since 1999. Both have two children.
Fallout and Consequences
Russini would join The Athletic in 2023, while Vrabel took over in New England last year before guiding the Patriots to the Super Bowl. The Daily Mail has sought comment from Russini and through Vrabel's agent. Vrabel has admitted he's been forced to have 'difficult conversations with people I care about' as he addressed the Russini photo scandal for the first time on Tuesday.
Earlier this month, the New York Post published suggestive photos of Vrabel with Russini fraternizing at a $2,500-a-night retreat in Sedona, Arizona. The Post later released other pictures, ostensibly showing Vrabel and Russini enjoying breakfast together while at that resort. While sources close to both parties insisted to Page Six they were joined by a group of friends, 'multiple eyewitnesses' reportedly claimed the two were actually 'alone' in Arizona.
Vrabel and Russini have both denied any wrongdoing, insisting the photos of them hugging and hanging poolside are misleading. Russini was ultimately placed on leave and investigated by The Athletic's parent company, The New York Times, only to resign from her position last week.
Other than describing the Post's story as 'laughable' in a brief statement, Vrabel had been silent on the matter until ostensibly making himself accountable to the public at Tuesday's press conference. Russini and Vrabel were reportedly seen together at the now-closed Tribeca Tavern in 2020.
Speaking to reporters as the Patriots started their offseason program, an emotional Vrabel said: 'I've had some difficult conversations with people I care about - with my family, the organization, the coaches, the players. Those have been positive and productive. We believe that in order to be successful on and off the field, you have to make good decisions. That includes me. That starts with me.'
But while Vrabel appeared to be taking accountability for the scandal, he stopped short of answering questions about the allegations, his initial denial, and the fact that Russini is now out of a job. Since then, the Patriots have revealed that Vrabel will be away from the team on Saturday, the third day of the NFL Draft, as he undergoes counseling. The timing of the treatment has raised eyebrows, given the fact that the Patriots have eight of their 11 picks scheduled for the third and final day of the draft.
