Full Breakdown
WEEI Afternoon Show Dismissals Amid Vrabel-Russini Scandal
4/24/2026, 1:37:02 PM
Core Event: Andy Hart and Nick “Fitzy” Stevens Removed from “WEEI Afternoons”
WEEI announced that Andy Hart and Nick “Fitzy” Stevens were taken off the weekday “WEEI Afternoons” program (2-6 p.m. ET). The change was confirmed by Barrett Media on Wednesday; former Patriots linebacker Ted Johnson remained as the sole host. The station said an official announcement is pending.
Background: Vrabel-Russini Relationship Fuels Media Scrutiny
The dismissals occurred as NFL coach Mike Vrabel faced attention after Page Six released 2020 photos of him with ESPN insider Diana Russini at a Manhattan bar. Vrabel later told ESPN he would miss Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft to seek counseling, saying he wants to give his “best version” to his family, organization and team.
Timeline of Key Developments
- 2019 – Hart and Stevens hired by WEEI.
- 2020 – Vrabel and Russini photographed together.
- 2024 – Hart promoted to “WEEI Afternoons.”
- April 22 2026 – Barrett Media confirms Hart and Stevens’ removal.
- April 23 2026 – Vrabel announces draft-day counseling leave.
Official Statements & Responses
Barrett Media verified the firings; WEEI has not yet provided a rationale. In an ESPN interview Vrabel said he would miss Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft to seek counseling and explained that he had promised his family, organization and team to give them his best version. He added he would advise players to consider counseling in similar situations.
On-the-Ground Reactions
Stevens posted an Instagram story joking about being “axed” while showcasing a beer. Hart, in a Tufts University interview, emphasized that his role remained largely unchanged and objective.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources do not confirm whether the dismissals are directly tied to coverage of Vrabel’s relationship with Russini, and the station’s pending announcement leaves the exact motive for the personnel changes undisclosed.
Why It Matters: Impact on Boston Sports Media
Because the dismissals occur while the Vrabel-Russini story dominates national sports coverage, the changes have drawn additional public attention to WEEI’s staffing decisions. The lack of an immediate official explanation leaves the reason for the personnel changes undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If you’re gonna get the axe, better make it a juicy one,” — Nick “Fitzy” Stevens, Instagram story
- “Honestly, it’s not a whole lot different for me. We were always pretty objective,” — Andy Hart, Tufts interview
- “As I said the other day, I promised my family, this organization and this team that I was going to give them the best version of me that I can possibly give them.” — Mike Vrabel, ESPN interview
- “This is something that I have given a lot of thought to and is something I would advise a player to do if I was counseling them.” — Mike Vrabel, ESPN interview
