Mike Vrabel to seek counseling, miss Day 3 of NFL Draft following Dianna Russini photos, Patriots say
Mike Vrabel won't be with the New England Patriots for Day 3 of the NFL Draft on Saturday because he's seeking counseling, the team confirmed to WBZ-TV Thursday. The Patriots have eight picks Saturday. The new development, first reported by ESPN, comes after controversial photos of Vrabel and former Athletic reporter Dianna Russini were published earlier this month.
"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 late Wednesday night, according to 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."
According to Reiss, Vrabel, who has two sons with his wife, Jen, plans to be with his family this weekend outside of Massachusetts. The coach told ESPN he'll be in contact with the Patriots during the draft Saturday.
Mike Vrabel Dianna Russini photos
The controversy started on April 7, when the New York Post published photos of Vrabel and Russini together at the Ambiente hotel in Sedona, Arizona on Saturday, March 28.
The pictures showed them holding hands, embracing and sitting in a pool and a hot tub. Both Vrabel and Russini are married to other people. They each released statements to the newspaper downplaying the photos.
Vrabel told the paper at the time, "These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn't deserve any further response."
Russini resigned from the Athletic a week later.
"I do so not because I accept the narrative that has been constructed around this episode, but because I refuse to lend it further oxygen or to let it define me or my career," the longtime NFL reporter wrote in her resignation letter on April 14.
The Post published additional pictures of Vrabel and Russini Wednesday.
The Patriots have not issued a formal statement on the controversy and the NFL said it's not investigating Vrabel's behavior.
Vrabel addressed the matter for the first time in public Tuesday with a brief statement to reporters at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro. He didn't mention Russini or the photos.
"I've had some difficult conversations with people that I care about, with my family, the organization, the coaches, the players. Those have been positive and productive," Vrabel said.
He apologized for not addressing the situation earlier but added that he wanted to speak to the team first. The Patriots held their first day of voluntary organized team activities on Monday.
NFL Draft time
The NFL Draft starts at 8 p.m. Thursday in Pittsburgh. The Patriots are scheduled to pick at number 31, which is estimated to be sometime around 10:30 p.m. if they don't trade the pick. Rounds two and three are Friday, with the Patriots scheduled to pick at 63 and 95, respectively.
Rounds four through seven, which Vrabel will miss, will be held Saturday. The Patriots currently have two fourth round picks, one in the fifth round, four picks in the sixth round and one in the seventh.