Mike Vrabel's Tuesday press conference was unannounced and unexpected
The Patriots hadn't told reporters that Vrabel would be speaking.
Tuesday’s press conference from Patriots coach Mike Vrabel was a surprise to everyone. Including the reporters who cover the team. As explained by Ben Volin of the Boston Globe , the notice sent by the Patriots on Monday did not mention Vrabel would be speaking .
Instead, the email sent at 4:35 p. m. ET on Monday said only that, on Tuesday at noon, "two players" would be available at the end of their workouts.
The approach ensured that the press room wouldn't be swarmed by reporters who don't regularly cover the team — reporters who would have no qualms about attempting to pepper Vrabel with questions after he made a statement that lasted a little longer than two minutes. Volin explains that, after the statement was delivered, Vrabel was available for a "side session" with the reporters who were present. Per Volin, "reporters were ordered to turn off all cameras, including phones, and were told to ask only football questions.
" Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald didn't stick to football. Per Volin, she asked Vrabel about Dianna Russini's resignation last week from The Athletic , as a result of the photos that Vrabel initially dismissed as " laughable " before providing a more grave and contrite explanation on Tuesday. Vrabel declined to answer.