New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has publicly accepted responsibility for creating a 'distraction' for the team following the publication of photographs showing him with NFL reporter Dianna Russini at an Arizona resort. In a press conference before the NFL draft, Vrabel acknowledged his actions and announced he would step away from the team on Saturday to prioritise his family, beginning counselling this weekend.
Vrabel stated: '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.' He described having 'difficult conversations' with his family, coaching staff, and team officials after the photos were published by the New York Post.
The NFL has confirmed it is not investigating the matter, with Commissioner Roger Goodell describing it as a 'personal matter.' The Patriots organisation expressed support for Vrabel's decision, saying in a statement: 'Mike has been open with us about his commitment to being the best version of himself for his family, this team and our fans, and we respect the steps he is taking.'
Vrabel's absence on Saturday will affect the final day of the draft, when the Patriots hold the majority of their 11 picks. Executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf will oversee the draft room, with Vrabel remaining in communication via Zoom. Wolf expressed confidence in the team's preparedness, stating: 'It’s going to be different without his presence there. But we feel really good about the people that we have in place to make up for it.'
