Patriots Coach Vrabel Commits to Counseling, Will Skip NFL Draft Day
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has announced he will seek counseling and will not be present for day three of the NFL draft this Saturday. This decision comes in the wake of photos surfacing showing Vrabel and longtime NFL reporter Dianna Russini at a resort in Sedona, Arizona, prior to the NFL annual meetings last month.
Vrabel's Statement on Personal Commitment
In a statement released on Wednesday night, Vrabel emphasized his dedication to personal improvement. "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," Vrabel said, according to ESPN. "In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend." He added that this move is something he would advise a player to do, highlighting his intent to lead by example and become a better husband, father, and coach.
Background of the Resort Photos
The photos, published by the New York Post earlier this month, depict Vrabel and Russini at a Sedona resort before the NFL meetings began in Phoenix on March 29. Both Vrabel and Russini, who are married to other people, issued statements downplaying the images. However, the fallout led to Russini resigning from The Athletic less than a week later, following an internal investigation at the New York Times-owned outlet.
NFL's Stance and Team Response
The NFL has stated that it is not investigating Vrabel's behavior regarding the photos. Vrabel addressed the matter publicly for the first time on Tuesday, telling reporters he had "difficult conversations with people I care about." He also spoke to Patriots players about the issue on Monday, as they arrived for voluntary workouts, aiming to prevent it from overshadowing the NFL draft, which starts on Thursday.
Vrabel expressed concern that the media attention might distract from the draft, noting that he wanted to speak before two Patriots players were scheduled to meet with reporters on Tuesday. His proactive approach underscores his focus on maintaining team morale and organizational integrity during this period.
