New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel will not be present with the team for the third day of the National Football League draft on Saturday. This decision comes as Vrabel has committed to seeking counseling, a step he stated is necessary to "give them the best version of me that I can possibly give them." The announcement follows the publication of photographs by the New York Post showing Vrabel with former NFL reporter Dianna Russini at an Arizona resort.
Vrabel's absence marks a significant disruption to the Patriots' draft preparations, especially as the team is scheduled to make eight of its eleven selections during the final four rounds (Rounds 4-7) on Saturday. While Vrabel will remain in contact with team officials, the primary responsibility for drafting strategy will fall to Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf and Vice President of Player Personnel Ryan Cowden.
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Vrabel addressed the media on Wednesday, acknowledging "difficult conversations" with his family and the Patriots organization subsequent to the photo release. He primarily sidestepped questions regarding Russini, emphasizing a desire to avoid becoming a distraction for the team. The published images reportedly depicted Vrabel and Russini, both married, embracing and holding hands, with additional photos surfacing showing them together at a resort breakfast.
The NFL has stated it is not investigating Vrabel's conduct. Vrabel's stated intention to seek counseling and focus on his family, including his wife Jen and two sons, underscores the personal repercussions of the emerging story. He plans to spend the weekend with his family outside of Massachusetts.
