After weeks of radio silence, New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel finally addressed the Dianna Russini scandal in front of reporters on Tuesday.
“I’ve had some difficult conversations with people I care about — with my family, the organization, the coaches, the players,” Vrabel said in the aftermath of the Russini situation. “Those have been positive and productive. We believe in order to be successful on and off the field, you have to make good decisions. That includes me. That starts with me.
“We never want our actions to negatively affect the team. We never want to be the cause of a distraction. There are comments and questions that I’ve answered for the team and with the team. We’ll keep those private.”
The NFL has no plans to investigate Vrabel for having an inappropriate relationship with Russini, and the Patriots have given in indication they plan to punish him either.
Vrabel to Seek Help After Russini Situation
GettyNew England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel
Those difficult conversations Vrabel alluded to on Tuesday were likely with his wife Jenn, and his two sons Tyler and Carter.
The 50-year-old head coach was photographed with Russini at an Arizona hotel weeks ago, and they painted a questionable scene that Vrabel likely had to explain to his family.
Though it seems there won’t be any sort of team or NFL punishment in his future, Vrabel made the decision to take some time away from the Pats and seek counseling to help he and his family process the situation and heal.
“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 told ESPN’s Mike Reiss. “This is something that I have given a lot of thought to and is something I would advise a player to do if I was counseling them.
“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. This is not an easy thing for me to admit, but it is one that I know will make me a better person. I appreciate the support that everyone has given me and promise a stronger resolve as a result.”
More Vrabel-Russini Photos Released
GettyDianna Russini resigned from The Athletic after photos of her and Mike Vrabel were leaked
The news of Vrabel leaving the team after Day 2 of the NFL draft to go to counseling comes just hours after Page Six published more photos of him and Russini from the Arizona hotel.
The publication published a handful of photos showing Russini and Vrabel having breakfast together, implying the two were alone and not with any friends or other colleagues in a more intimate setting.
“An insider told us that the pair — who are both married to other people — dined together on the morning of March 28, around 10:15 a.m. local time,” Page Six reported. “Multiple eyewitnesses claimed that the two dined alone, which seems to be supported by the pictures we obtained.
“But sources close to Russini insist that the sports reporter and the NFL coach were joined by a group of friends for the morning meal. The insider also told us that the pair appeared to be trying to go incognito by walking to various places in the resort separately throughout the day, following their breakfast.”
Patriots’ Mike Vrabel Taking Leave to Seek Counseling Amid Dianna Russini Scandal