Mike Vrabel expressed deep remorse to his family in a surprise statement delivered just over 30 minutes before the NFL Draft kicked off on Thursday night. The apology came amid allegations of an affair with reporter Dianna Russini, who deactivated her X account around the same time.
The Apology and Accountability
Speaking at the Patriots’ facility, Vrabel took full responsibility for his actions. “I take accountability for my actions and the actions that caused a distraction to people I care most about,” he stated. “My previous actions don’t meet the standard that I hold myself to. I need to take the necessary steps to work together and to give them the best version of myself. That has started, will continue this weekend and will continue for however long it takes.”
Vrabel emphasized his priorities: “My priorities are my family and this football team – in that order – and there is a balance I’m going to create. My family needs me this weekend and that’s where I’ll be.”
Background on the Controversy
The scandal erupted earlier this month with photos showing Vrabel and Russini together at a luxury $2,500-a-night retreat in Sedona, Arizona, followed by images of them sharing breakfast. Additional photos from March 11, 2020, captured them at the now-closed Tribeca Tavern in New York, where Vrabel coached the Tennessee Titans and Russini covered the team for ESPN.
Earlier this week, Vrabel mentioned having “difficult conversations” with his family, the organization, coaches, and players. On Wednesday, he announced plans to seek counseling and confirmed his absence from Day 3 of the draft.
Witness Accounts and Denials
Sources close to the pair maintain they were with a group of friends in Arizona. However, multiple eyewitnesses described Vrabel and Russini as alone. One witness from the 2020 bar encounter stated: “They were kissing and they were all over each other. He had a ring on. They were having a glorious time, giving each other pecks constantly. There was nobody in there.”
Both Vrabel and Russini have denied any inappropriate behavior, calling the poolside and hugging photos misleading. Russini, who married Kevin Goldschmidt later that year, faced an investigation by her employer, The New York Times’ parent company for The Athletic, before resigning last week.
Patriots’ Support and Draft Plans
Vrabel has been married to Jen since 1999, and they have two children. The New England Patriots, holding 11 draft picks including No. 31 in the first round, issued a statement of support: “The New England Patriots fully support Mike Vrabel’s decision to prioritize his family first, as well as his own well-being. 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.”
The team added confidence in their personnel staff, led by Eliot Wolf, to handle Saturday’s selections in rounds 4 through 7 without Vrabel present.
