Vrabel takes accountability for causing ‘distraction’ at NFL Draft

Patriots coach Mike Vrabel has publicly accepted responsibility for actions that have created a "distraction" for the American football franchise, following the recent publication of photographs showing him with longtime NFL reporter Dianna Russini. While not directly addressing the specifics of the images, which depicted the pair at an Arizona resort, Vrabel announced his intention to prioritize his family by beginning counseling this weekend and stepping away from the team for the final day of the NFL draft on Saturday. Speaking for just over seven minutes before Thursday's NFL draft commenced, Vrabel stated: "I understand that there are questions.

I take accountability for my actions, and the actions that caused a distraction to the people that I care most about — my family, this football team, the organization and our fans. My previous actions don't meet the standard that I hold myself to. They don't.

" He had previously acknowledged having "difficult conversations with people I care about”, including his family, coaching staff, and team officials, after the New York Post published the photos. Vrabel emphasized that his family and the Patriots are the most important aspects of his life, committing to a process of self-improvement for "however long it takes" to present "the best version of me. " When questioned about the timing of his absence from the draft, he affirmed it was "solely family-related”, adding: "When you prioritize your family first, and your job, that’s what’s required.

And that’s what was necessary. " He remained uncertain if this would be his only planned absence from the team. The photos of Vrabel and Russini were taken in Sedona, Arizona, prior to the annual NFL meetings that began in Phoenix on 29 March.