COACH SEEKS COUNSELING FOLLOWING PUBLISHED PHOTOS
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel announced Wednesday that he will seek counseling and consequently miss the third day of the NFL Draft on Saturday. This decision follows the recent publication of photographs in The New York Post, which appear to show Vrabel in intimate settings with Dianna Russini, a former reporter for The Athletic. Both individuals are married to other people.
Vrabel committed to "seeking counseling, starting this weekend" to ensure he can provide his "best version" to his family, the organization, and the team. The coach indicated he would be with his family outside of Massachusetts over the weekend.
DRAFT RESPONSIBILITIES SHIFT
In Vrabel's absence on Saturday, Eliot Wolf, executive vice president of player personnel, and Ryan Cowden, vice president of player personnel, will continue to lead the team's draft strategy. Vrabel was present and involved in the draft proceedings on Thursday and Friday, covering the first three rounds. He stated confidence in Wolf and Cowden's ability to finalize the draft.
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VRABEL'S PUBLIC STATEMENTS
Vrabel addressed the media for the first time on Wednesday night since the photos surfaced earlier in April. He did not directly address questions regarding Dianna Russini or the nature of the counseling he is pursuing. He remarked that he did not want the "interest in the Post photos to take attention away from the NFL draft." Vrabel also mentioned addressing the team about the matter on Monday, the start of their voluntary workout program.
The NFL has stated it is not investigating Vrabel's behavior. Additional photos of Vrabel and Russini were reportedly published on Wednesday.
BACKGROUND
The initial photographs, published by The New York Post's Page Six on April 7, depicted Vrabel and Russini at a resort in Sedona, Arizona, during late March. The reports detail images of them embracing and holding hands, with some photos showing them in swimwear by a pool. Vrabel and Russini initially dismissed the photos as not representative of the situation. Vrabel's wife, Jen Vrabel, is not mentioned in direct relation to these statements, though Vrabel stated he is seeking counseling to be the best husband and father he can be. The Patriots hold the No. 31 pick in the draft.
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