Patriots coach Mike Vrabel to enter counseling, miss part of NFL Draft, report says
This development comes after photos of Vrabel and long-time NFL reporter Dianna Russini were published.
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said this week he did not want released photos of him and a long-time NFL reporter to take away from the 2026 NFL Draft. According to ESPN, Vrabel won’t be with the team this Saturday, the third day of the Draft, so he can undergo counseling in the wake of controversy surrounding former Athletic reporter Dianna Russini . “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,” Vrabel said Wednesday night to ESPN. This comes after photos of Vrabel and Russini were published. “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,” Vrabel added overnight.
Vrabel publicly addressed his behavior for the first time on Tuesday . Earlier this month, The New York Post published poolside photos of Vrabel and Russini, showing the two holding hands, embracing, and sitting in a pool and hot tub. , “Let me first begin by saying thank you.
Thank you for your patience that you’ve shown in a personal and private matter for me, and obviously everybody involved,” Vrabel told reporters, without mentioning Russini by name. “I know that that’s not easy for you, and I respect that and appreciate your efforts in doing so. ” Vrabel said he had a “very candid” conversation with Patriots players about his behavior on Monday, something he wanted to do before making a public statement.