Let us begin today’s post with a candid message of grace. In fact, let every post and opinion be laced with it. That feels missing from our culture in many spaces. We are quicker to say, “let me tell you what I think,” than to consider whether our words are offered with grace and without judgment. Too often, we are not skilled at sharing perspective without passing judgment on people.
If you are one whose life or relationship has been hurt by adultery, I am so sorry. I know that is painful. I pray you have been able to move forward, free from lingering bitterness, and have found a pathway to thrive again.
If you are one who has partaken in an adulterous relationship, I am also sorry. I hope you have recognized the folly of your behavior and have made amends as much as possible for those you hurt along the way. I pray you have repented, found forgiveness, and learned a wiser way.
While much of the NFL focused last weekend on its annual draft, the sports world, celebrity news, and human-interest media turned their attention to Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and former senior NFL insider reporter Dianna Russini. According to “Heavy,” it’s the “storyline that just won’t go away.” An account of the storyline is as follows:
On April 7th, the New York Post publishes pictures of the two at an adults-only resort roughly ten days earlier — holding hands, embracing, relaxing by a pool. Both are married to other people.
Both immediately deny any romantic relationship. Vrabel calls it an “innocent interaction,” dismissing any alternative narrative as “laughable.” Russini emphasizes that the images are misrepresented and notes that journalists regularly interact with sources.
On April 10th, the New York Times (owner of Russini’s then employer, The Athletic) acknowledges the photos and announces an internal investigation into Russini’s conduct. Four days later, she resigns, stating she will not subject herself to a damaging public inquiry fueled by leaks.
On April 21st, Vrabel addresses the media. His tone shifts — more measured, less dismissive. The word “laughable” is gone.
Two days later, additional photos surface from six years prior showing the two alone together, touching and kissing. Russini would go on to become engaged within months and later have a child, naming him “Michael.”
Again, let none of us pile onto the wounds of another. But factually speaking, it is difficult to avoid the conclusion that Vrabel and Russini lied. And now, their personal behavior carries very real professional consequences.
This is sobering.
Adultery is one of those timeless behaviors that leaves a wake of damage. It destroys trust, creates deep emotional wounds, and often fractures far more than just one relationship. The ripple effects are real. The damage is real.
The lying compounds it. In the attempt to deceive others — as seen in Vrabel’s initial deflection — the deeper deception is often internal. A quiet effort to convince oneself that what is clearly wrong might somehow still be justified.
Let us be clear: it is not.
Too often, current culture shrugs at this reality. It minimizes, excuses or even packages it as something glamorous or inevitable. History — both public and private — tells a different story.
Let’s be clear: this is not about shaming people. But neither is it about pretending that destructive behavior is harmless.
We can extend grace without rewriting truth.
Adultery is damaging.
So let us not ignore it. Let us not normalize it. And certainly, let us not celebrate it. Instead, may we be people who tell the truth about it — clearly, soberly and with grace — and who choose, even when it is difficult, a better and more faithful way forward.
Respectfully…
AR