Vrabel to Miss Draft Day 3 for Counseling After Photo Controversy

Coach Mike Vrabel is taking time for counseling and will miss the NFL Draft's third day. This follows the release of photos showing him with reporter Dianna Russini.
By Newsroom | Sports, American Football |

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has broken his public silence regarding a series of photographs showing him with NFL reporter Dianna Russini. Vrabel stated he has engaged in "difficult conversations with people I care about," including his family and the organization. The coach also announced he will be seeking counseling and will miss the third day of the NFL Draft. The league, meanwhile, has indicated it is not investigating Vrabel's conduct.

The controversy erupted following the publication of photos by the New York Post on April 7, depicting Vrabel and Russini at an Arizona resort in late March. These images, which showed them in various states of physical closeness, including holding hands and in a hot tub, led to significant media attention. Russini, a prominent reporter at The Athletic, resigned from her position on April 14, reportedly amid an internal review concerning the nature of her relationship with Vrabel and her NFL coverage.

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Patriots Speak Out on Mike Vrabel as Dianna Russini Photo Drama Intensifies - 1

Vrabel addressed the situation directly with reporters on Tuesday, expressing a desire to speak before his players were questioned and to prevent the photos from overshadowing the upcoming NFL Draft. He emphasized his commitment to his family and his well-being, stating, "I want to give them the best version of me that I can possibly give them." The Patriots organization has publicly stated its full support for Vrabel, noting his decision to prioritize his family and well-being and respecting the steps he is taking.

Further complicating the narrative, new photos showing Vrabel and Russini together in a bar from six years prior were published shortly before the NFL Draft's commencement. Vrabel’s initial comments on the matter were made to the New York Post on April 8, shortly after the first set of photos surfaced. The Athletic’s executive editor, Steven Ginsberg, had previously defended Russini, suggesting the initial photos were taken out of context. However, Russini's subsequent resignation appears to signal a significant fallout from the episode. The NFL’s stance of non-intervention contrasts with the personal and professional repercussions experienced by both individuals involved.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Mike Vrabel missing the third day of the NFL Draft?
New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel announced he will miss the third day of the NFL Draft to seek counseling. This decision comes after recent media scrutiny over photos of him with NFL reporter Dianna Russini.
Q: What caused the controversy around Mike Vrabel?
The controversy began when photos surfaced showing coach Mike Vrabel and reporter Dianna Russini in various states of closeness at an Arizona resort in late March. Additional photos from six years ago also emerged.
Q: Is the NFL investigating Mike Vrabel?
No, the NFL has stated it is not investigating Mike Vrabel's conduct. However, reporter Dianna Russini resigned from her position at The Athletic following the publication of the photos.
Q: What has Mike Vrabel said about the situation?
Vrabel stated he has had difficult conversations with his family and the organization and wants to give them his best self. He expressed a desire to prevent the photos from overshadowing the NFL Draft.
Q: Has the Patriots organization commented on Vrabel's situation?
Yes, the New England Patriots organization has publicly stated its full support for Coach Vrabel. They respect his decision to prioritize his family and well-being and are supporting the steps he is taking.