New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel will be absent from Saturday’s final round of the NFL Draft as he enters counseling following the recent emergence of photographs showing him with veteran NFL reporter Dianna Russini at a resort in Arizona.
Speaking Wednesday evening through ESPN, Vrabel explained his decision: “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. In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend. 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.”
Vrabel continued: “I have always wanted to lead by example, and I believe this is what I have to do to be the best husband, father and coach that I possibly can be. This is not an easy thing for me to admit, but it is one that I know will make me a better person. I appreciate the support that everyone has given me and promise a stronger resolve as a result.”
The images showing Vrabel and Russini together at a Sedona resort were captured prior to the league’s annual meetings that commenced in Phoenix on March 29, according to the New York Post, which released the photographs earlier this month.
League officials confirmed last weekend that the NFL will not launch an investigation into Vrabel’s conduct.
On Tuesday, Vrabel broke his silence on the situation for the first time, telling media members he has engaged in “difficult conversations with people I care about.”
Both Vrabel and Russini, who are married to other people, issued written responses to the Post following the story’s publication, minimizing the significance of what the photographs showed. However, Russini stepped down from her position at The Athletic within a week after the Post’s report triggered an internal review at the sports publication owned by The New York Times.
Vrabel revealed he discussed the matter with his players on Monday when they returned for voluntary workouts. Two Patriots players had been scheduled for media availability on Tuesday, but Vrabel chose to address reporters first. He also expressed his desire to prevent the controversy surrounding the Post photographs from overshadowing the NFL draft, which kicks off Thursday.
